TOUCHSTONES

3.5 stars. In 2007, the year that Germany's own SIEGES EVEN released their final album "Paramount", their lead singer and lead guitarist formed a new band called SUBSIGNAL. They brought in a new rhythm section and decided to go more towards a symphonic/ neo-prog style. Their first album was released in 2009 and I found it a bit too light, and those sugary vocals and harmonies didn't help. "Touchstones" is album number two from 2011 and it's an improvement vocally, but they also increased the heaviness. So this is a step up for me.

It is interesting that they felt they needed to form a new band to create this music. I only say that because SIEGES EVEN changed their stripes a few times over their careers. From complex metal similar to WATCHTOWER and PSYCHOTIC WALTZ along with that album where they sound just like RUSH. Also they made a heavy prog record, and straight up prog rock album with their last one. But I "get" that they wanted to start fresh, plus this is really a change for them. A new style that the old fans may not be into. This band continues today, as their most recent release was from 2023 and that was album number six. SIEGES EVEN released seven albums during their careers.

This is a long album at over 75 minutes, too long. They even go into orchestral territories with that tenth track which is the longest and my least favourite. Some guests adding violin, cello, viola and oboe on this one. A long ballad-like track that is a disappointment. Now the song before it "The Lifespan Of A Glimpse" is great with those guest female vocals from Isabel Flossel who I'd rather was the main singer. The final two tracks are very good, but overall this is a hit and miss affair for my tastes. Better than the debut though.

I lost track of them after this, so it would be interesting to hear where they went musically, or if they stayed status quo. A middle of the road record in my world.