FORSAKEN INNOCENCE

Scouring the 2021 top 100 list for exciting new prog metal (in vain) I took a chance on this album. I like it a lot and have listened to it 3 times over the last couple of days. Can't say I'm a huge neo-prog fan, but there are a few heavier parts to get the blood pumping. My first reaction was to compare it to the classic Souldoubt album, Dance of Light and Shade, especially the vocals. The album starts off strong with the 11:45 King of the Country, starting prog-folk before rollicking along Wobbleresque. The 2nd track, Insidious, is full-on Neo Prog in all its pomp with a New Wave edge. Lots of emotion - I love it! Credit to the music - the first 20 minutes flies by. Dementium and New Dawn slow the pace down, and ramp up the EMO, without losing the thematic musical concept. Forsaken Innocence Pt. 1 picks up the pace again, more Symphonic than Neo I think, and Pt.2 shows off the band's fine musicianship, and finally lets the guitar loose. If it keeps reminding me of Wobbler that's meant as a compliment. Time to Go feels like a coda but is just a brief interlude before the album wraps up with Hand on Heart, and reprise of the album's concept. Bravo! Give it a spin on Spotify - 945 monthly listeners is a crime for such a good band.