KINGDOM OF ENDS

One of the few US bands daring to play progressive rock were the Washington-based quintet CATHEDRAL (nothing to do with the US Symphonic Prog act of the 70's).Led by guitarist Gary Sisto the band was formed in early 1991, featuring also Ted Thompson on vocals,Todd Braverman on keys, Mike Hounshell on bass and Mark Copney on drums.CATHEDRAL were one of the first bands (if not the first one) to sign on Kinesis Label along with compatriots Iluvatar.In 1992 they release their debut entitled ''Kingdom of ends''.

Often compared with neo prog acts of the 80's, CATHEDRAL jump on the train of easy- listening yet dynamic prog rock and do it just fine at some point.I do not know,but propably CATHEDRAL could have been a great influence for ENCHANT,as the two bands sound extremely similar.Even vocalist Ted Thompson has the same voice with Ted Leonard of ENCHANT,that is an emphatic and emotional vocalist with crystalline chords and a wide range of expression,but a bit of cheesy moments as well.At his most theatrical moments he tries to sound like FISH,but this style doesn't work that well.Speaking previously about ILUVATAR, CATHEDRAL hold also some similarities with their compatriots, especially in the keyboard parts and accesible melodies of the album.However, ENCHANT remain the best comparison with most of the compositions swinging around Sisto's good guitar work,featuring catchy riffs, energetic grooves,some fine melodies and decent breaks as well.This combination of the decent guitar work with the acceptable vocal lines is actually the best thing ''Kingdom of ends'' has to offer,as the keyboards are pretty forgettable at least for me.

The album is not particularly exciting,I have heard tons of bands playing this style a lot better,but it will certainly hold some interest for fans of ENCHANT and even Neo Progressive rock.Between the slim line of mediocre and quite good progressive rock.

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