RELOCATOR

This album is a really strong debut from German-based multinational band. Being a fan of jazz fusion, I listen bunches of instrumental albums every months. There are one interesting thing I noticed - very often listeners and even critics can't find a right classification for some border albums. I was always surprises how often instrumental prog metal albums are tagged as jazz fusion!

So - this time everything is in it's right place. This album is greatly played and produced symphonic instrumental metal prog album. With just a very few jazz fusion touches.

Symphonic element is coming mostly from guest collaborator Dream Theatre and Planet X keyboardist Derek Sherinian. His keyboards passages are recognisable, and add some symphonic monumentalism to heavy (metal) fusion band's sound. To be honest, I don't think adding Derek's keyboards was just marketing trick ( having his name on the album's cover will attract more potential listeners for sure).Trying to imagine band's music without keyboards, I hear perfectly calculated and well balanced German rock machine, very reliable, but a bit too predictable and boring. So - these keyboards gave to that release not only attractive name on the line-up list, but really some bombastic symphonism, possibly even a bit vintage and naive, but really the component they needed to complete their sound.

I am more fan of jazzy releases, so possibly this music is not my cup of tea in full. But I really enjoyed when listened to this work: the music is obviously a work of crafted team, not soloists, and the sound is well played and even better balanced. Yes, according to the genre's rules you don't need to expect some experimental sounds and structures there. Just quality modern progressive instrumental heavy (metal) fusion, very calculated, but with some nice accessories, as electric violin, added. To be honest, in many moments I prefer Relocator debut's sound to some Planet X works - Derek Sherinian in his own project too often was oversensitive and over bombastic, with risky and not very tasteful flirting with jazz fusion. This Relocator's debut is a bit more ascetic, without overproduction, and possibly is more straight forward, but open minded.

I believe more individual style with brighter compositions in future could easily bring them to the forefront of heavy fusion instrumental bands.

My rating is 3,5, rounded to 4.