STEP IN 2 MY WORLD

Two years after the debut and the band were back with their second album. It was the same line-up as before, but with three guests in Michael Brödel (vocals), Jens Vieweg (oboe) and Jörg Baudach (trumpet).This is very much a direct follow on from the debut, with the band keeping to the same basic tenets of that, but adding even more diversity. The vocals on all songs are great, melodic and full of emotion, but the double-tracking on "Stay Beside" is glorious. For the delicate music to suddenly give way to a shredding solo is quite surprising, as is the way that it soon returns to what had gone before. Marek is of course keeping all together on piano, but there are so many layers in this that it takes a while for the listener to realise that the drums are conspicuous by their absence for large sections.

This is one of the things that make SSTTGD such a joy to listen to, they feel no need to be constrained by either musical style or form, so if they want to bring in many different style and mix them all in a melodic progressive crossover melting pot then they will. If they also want to have sections where musicians aren't involved and are off in a corner of the studio having a cup of coffee then that is all good as well. That particular song features delicate female vocals, as well as female and male harmonies, and of course what sounds like someone using a megaphone to get their point across for a few lines as well. Marek moves between his beloved piano and synths, and on the title cut the band start as if they have been influenced more by Meshuggah than IQ and are out to make a point. It is rough, raw and harsh, but still always contains that sense of melody that is throughout all they do. Yet another great album from a band that have never really gained the kudos outside their own country that they deserve.