DISTANCE

This time round, the band have fully developed their sound, showcasing their musical skills and further expanding on their obvious Scandinavian Prog influences.

Main advantage is the much better production than their debut. I must confess that the computerised drums on their first album 'The Edge of Sanity' made the whole attempt sound unconvincing. Here, however, every detail is crystal clear. Drummer Karl Björk has done extraordinary work, as he accompanies all parts with progressive rhythms and elaborate fillings.

The progress in the vocals is also astonishing! All members apart from Karl participate in the singing and have really worked hard on the CD. The band excels at their moments with multiple vocals and reminds me of PAIN OF SALVATION in their flexibility of singing parts. Also, seasoned proglisteners will appreciate the fact that there is minimal growling, all on the otherwise excellent first track 'Desert Rain'. I would like to see the band eliminate these parts completely in the future.

Special mention goes to Vocalist - Accordionist Jóhannes West. There is no standalone point crying out loud 'Look ma! We've got an accordion!' Instead, there are more restrained, sublime shades of it throughout the songs, which provide a unique sound that differentiates the band from anything else. Rock bands must understand that we aren't here for the lengthy bagpipe blast or the violin classical solos - we're here for the progmetal - and luckily STRUCTURAL DISORDER respect that!

Each one of the seven tracks on 'Distance' has something to offer - no fillers here. Longest tracks 'Silence' and 'Pyrene' are my favourites, growing from mellower parts to more progressive sections through acoustic interludes. 'Someone to Save' has an interesting middle instrumental section, influenced, it seems, by Balkan folk. 'The Herculean Tree' (what a title!) is another up-tempo moment with some major-scale soloing. Finally, album ender 'Drifting' is a beautiful short track that provides the album with the ideal epilogue.

Well guys... These days, PAIN OF SALVATION are swimming in completely different waters, while there are no news from SEVENTH WONDER, ANDROMEDA and DARKTOWER. It's a great chance for STRUCTURAL DISORDER to seize the day and take the throne of Swedish Prog Metal! If you are interested in melodic Progressive music, check this band out!

Rating: Four stars plus - next one is going to be the Masterpiece!

This review was originally written for www.justincaseradio.com

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