WALKING ON H20

I will be giving this album a review for its overall feel, level of progression and construction from start to finish. I will not be doing an individual track analysis.

This is the second latest album released by the Sweden originated progressive rock/metal band Mind's Eye. I have listened to all of their previous albums except for their first, as well as their latest album A Gentleman's Hurricane. Walking on H2O, to me, shows a vast amount of maturity from the band with their new label and a good step up from their previous albums. This level of maturity and amount of advancement in their musical style and sound - not only an evolution, but a precursor and preview to their newest album - gives high praise from me.

The construction and composition reminds me of a somewhat Dream Theater-esque feel of their second album with their debut of James Labrie, Images and Words. That is not to say that they sound the same, rather it is that the level of progression, evolution of sound, construction, and instrumental choice and arrangement feel similar. As such, again due to level of progression from their previous albums, I give this praise again in terms of compositional elements, diversity and arrangement.

The overall feel of the album is a slightly heavier, yet loftier, feeling album, with some good scores of passion mixed in there. The post-production and mastering of the album sounds much more crisp and solid than all of their previous works, and the vocal performance has taken a large leap. Again, this is a good preview of what their future album sounds like and the amount of growth - like the acceleration of a Ferrari Testarossa - does not slow down from A Work of Art, to this one, to A Gentleman's Hurricane. Musical performances also feel more polished as well and the band delivers a good performance overall.

As a static rating with no previous comparisons, I would give this album a 3.4 to a 3.5 out of five. However, taking into account the amount of progression they have made and the good sense of direction they had to get to A Gentleman's Hurricane, their effort cannot be ignored. Thus, I rate this album as a solid 4/5.

Similar to Dream Theater's progression from When Dream and Day Unite to Images and Words, this album reflects the same effort, growth, and promise. Originally, I began listening to their latest album out of curiosity based on the rating this album had on the front page of Prog Archives. I then listened to their other albums - starting from their first all the way to this one. Now, after listening to this album over four times and taking everything I have mentioned into account, I can say that this album is approved for my rating.

I hope you have enjoyed my first review! Keep an eye out for more of my reviews on Prog Archives.

Until Darkness Falls,

- Shadow -

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