CASSANDRA

Cassandra is the third release by Welsh-based trip 25 Yard Screamer, and a very promising release too.

Two long epic tracks dominate this album, opener Blacklight clocking in at 19 minutes+ and last track Cassandra lasting almost to the half-hour mark. Both tracks variate between almost ambient atmosphere filled segments, mellow melodic segments not too unlike Marillion's more melodic moments and harsher riff-based segments close to Rush in style and sound. Some more metal-tinged elements are added at time to. Good melodic vocals, stable rhythm section and skilled guitar playing alongside well crafted songs makes this an enjoyable release overall - although both epics are a bit too long.

Fans of Rush should enjoy this one, especially if they appreciate mellow melodic rock too.