THE FORBIDDEN CITY

All the staples of the progressive metal genre are present, but Twinspirits knows how to pull back just enough so as not to overwhelm the listener (well, sometimes). The band is impeccably tight and the production is unimpeachable. While the electric guitar remains the most important instrument, the keyboardist adds very much to the overall sound. With a few exceptions (some for better, some for worse), the compositions themselves are average progressive metal works with nothing innovative or unique to offer. One source of displeasure is the vocals though; it isn't that the guy cannot sing, but rather I simply don't care for his voice at all. Fans of Dream Theater's Falling Into Infinity are highly encouraged to see what Twinspirits is doing.

"The Forbidden City" Deep piano and various other keyboards move around one another until the obligatory distorted guitar rushes in. The lead synthesizer sounds so much like a violin that it had me fooled for a while. This is by far my favorite song on the album- well done!

"Taste the Infinity" Delicate piano and soon a deep baritone begin the second work. The acoustic guitar lead is an especially nice touch.

"Number One" Perhaps one of the most laughably unoriginal metal songs I've heard in years, this has terrible vocals and lame guitar charging through the whole time. "Number One" is definitely a track to pass.

"Everything" Fortunately, the keyboards return here even if the uninspired guitar must remain, but to be fair, the latter isn't nearly as bad as it was on the previous track.

"One of Us" Heavy guitar and a thin synthesizer lead begin this one, which has a pleasing organ hanging out in the background adding substance to the sound.

"BTR" The electric guitar and drums provide the beastly side of the piece, while the keyboards offer a gentler touch, with both of them warring it out in a great musical display. The solo piano is gorgeous as it invites a decently-executed lead guitar passage. This is an above-average instrumental that for some reason reminds me a bit of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

"Hide This Feeling" Lovely acoustic guitar introduces the best vocal performance of the album, largely because it includes a woman who, while very good singing on her own, serves to offset the deep voice of the lead vocalist. Admittedly, it does become a bit of a cheesy power ballad toward the end, but it is still an enjoyable song.

"My Future" After a dynamic introduction, stark piano and that baritone are paired up alone until the heavy guitar and keyboards come in- a lackluster song.

"Reaction" This composition is a return to the goodness of the beginning after the many dry spots in the middle of the album. It features a clear, solid, strong series of melodies and easy-to-follow chord progressions.

"I Am Free" The final track offers the most aggressive guitar and vocals, such that this piece sounds completely unlike anything that came prior. Barked and angry lyrics, overdriven guitars, and constant double-bass drumming produces a barrage of sound, and even the keyboard playing is over-the-top. In fact, I would say that the entire piece is over-the-top, especially given the operatic final few minutes.