CRACK THE SKYE

I'm sure I dismissed this band a while ago as one of those new American metal bands that are crap, silly tattoos and earings, but.....this album is a masterpiece.

The pot is full of ingredients, if I can mention a few to make it worthwhile for some to listen: Late Ozzy era Sabbath, the creative bits of Metallica, middle eastern, psychadelia, Zepp and the first post hardcore outfit, Fugazi: All blended together with a creativity beyond most of the 'staid' progressive bands.

These guys have created their own sound, influences appear...and then change. You never get a chance to say "oh, that sounds like so and so", it constantly shifts and that's magic. Progressive, more so than most of the newer progressive stuff on PA.

It's heavy, because, because it's full on, it tests you. Yes there's yells and growls in some songs, but you can tune out. The guitar work is tastefull, solos faithfully channel Iommi/Blackmore, drumming is manic and skillful. Vocals are like Ozzy, but not really, they're well worth listening to.

Whilst this doesn't fit the 'normal' mould of progressive, it is progressive because it doesn't. Essential.