A PLEASANT SHADE OF GRAY

Despite the rift that many prog fans do not like progressive metal, this particular album does not typify what the genre has come to represent in the minds of most. That's why this album is arguably the quintessential album of the genre. Many progressive metal bands aren't really progressive. They don't try new things. However, A Pleasant Shade of Gray is a stand out.

In typical prog fashion, the album is one entire piece broken into 12 parts. The parts are all varied with a few repeated themes. The music is a mixture of some incorporation of "techno" keyboard (provided by Kevin Moore, ex-Dream Theater...you know that guy...responsible for keeping the restraint on old DT) with space rock,restrained heavy metal, acoustic sections, and an amazing performance by vocalist Ray Alder.

The songs on this album are replete with emotion that is often missing from albums of the genre. There isn't any real shredding guitar wise, but there is no shortage of interesting solo sections and riffs. There are a few parts where Mark Zonder's drumming will make you wonder why this guy isn't more recognized. It took me a while to get into this album because I treated it like background music at first. It definitely requires a serious listen to let it inspire you.