PSYKERION

'Psykerion' is the second studio album by progressive metal supergroup, Thought Chamber. Released in 2013, it comes six years after their debut, and follows on closely in both sound and style. I must admit though, this has been a long, slow burner for me. I'm not sure what it is, but this has been on my playlist for well over a year now, and I'm still struggling to pick out any notable, single tracks.

The album as a whole is a great listen though. Full of virtuoso musical performances, Ted Leonard's incredible voice, and excellently produced, it's a joy to listen to from start to finish. When I can be bothered, that is. Because unlike its predecessor, I can't really pick out any particular songs here that I'd want to listen to by themselves. I'm not sure if that's because their strength is as singular pieces of a bigger puzzle, or maybe I'm just finding that every song blends into the next so well, it all just seems like a blur.

Still, I'm somewhat disappointed because I'd love to be able to just pick out any songs on a whim to listen to, but I feel like I can't do that here. 'Light Year Time', 'Xyrethius II' and 'Transcend' are probably highlights for me, but not enough that I'd listen to them by themselves. And it's a shame, because I genuinely do like this album, and think Thought Chamber are a fantastic band, I just don't think I'm likely to come back to this one very often.

And it's a concept album too! What the hell is the story to this? Because none of it makes sense to me!