CONTAGION

I am a huge fan of this band which I compared in the beginning to MARILLION. This band, I feel have more edge than the former and always have. Great musicianship and arrangements are a trademark of their work and it is never more evident than in this CD. There are several highlights to this album and much to like, starting with the instrumental "RIDING THE TIDE" which is the statement piece for the band in terms of their ability to constuct and perform engaging and moving progressive material. They just let it rip and turn it loose on this track and display a power and majesty rarely pulled off in this genre anymore. Also of particular interest is "SKIN GAME" which is an eerie but fun track as well as another instrumental track "THIS WAY MADNESS COMES." This CD is one of the boldest prog CD's I've heard because very few bands can walk the line between prog - metal and neo/symphonic prog as well as these fellows. I strongly recommend it to any collector because regardless of who your original prog band favorite is (GENESIS is mine) you can find something to love about it, rather it be one song, two or more.