METAFICTION

After being so impressed with their debut "Time Must Have A Stop" I must admit my expectations were very high for this one. Maybe too high. This album still has that dark atmosphere but they've cut back on the heaviness leaving me a little disappointed overall at what they've created here. This is still a good record, in fact for those getting into this band for the first time I expect mostly 4 and 5 stars. I knew from the first listen that this wasn't as good as the debut, too laid back for one but also the songs aren't as good except for the last one. As I mentioned in my review of their debut lyrics are very important to them over everything else and I think they've comprimised the music here as a result. By the way the packaging with this cd is really well done.

"Falling Dream" is dark and atmospheric to start. Reserved vocals arrive after 1 1/2 minutes then it turns quickly into this ballad-like tune with backing vocals. Not a good start. "Glassy Essence" is heavy and uptempo but then it settles when the vocals arrive around a minute.The tempo continues to shift somewhat. Nice guitar late. A much better tune. "Home" builds quickly but settles just as fast when the reserved vocals come in. A calm with atmosphere 2 minutes in. Reserved vocals are back before 3 1/2 minutes then it picks up again.

"Faces" reminds me some of the later FATES WARNING albums, dark atmosphere with no outbreaks. "Stranger Than Fiction" is heavier and more uptempo with vocals. Some growls here after 2 1/2 minutes and later at 4 minutes. "Indifferent" opens with piano as fragile vocals come in. Drums follow then it's full after 3 1/2 minutes. "December 20th" is by far my favourite track. Atmosphere and reserved vocals to start, it's heavier a minute in. It sounds like "Damnation" 5 minutes in. Heavy again at 6 minutes.

3.5 stars.This may grow to 4 stars. As I said earlier I think most will love this record but for me it's a step down from the debut.