EXTENSION OF THE WISH

Andromeda's debut brings us a great addition to the classic prog-metal ranks, an already over-populated and, at desperate times, uninspiring sub-genre. The first chance I had to listen to it was upon discovering the band right here on PA, taking a huge liking for the album's title-track. Even though it occured to me there were suspicious links to Dream Theater, I felt there was more than a DT clone in it sound.

And right I was, as the remainder of te album sounds nothing at all like the prog-metal icons. It is indeed filled with technical prowess, brought forth by Johan Reinholdz guitar work at the front of the mix, as well as diverse intrumental sections, branding the prog-metal formula throughout. Unspoken Words opens the album with a pretty straight-forward and ear-friendly example of such blueprint - one which might take a turn for the flaw, when taken to the extreme lenghts of Starshooter Supreme. Still a lot of fun, though.

Albeit, there is also a great display of time-signature acrobatics that comes across as challenging and interesting rather than cloying, notably In The Deepest Of Waters and Chameleon Carnival - a fast-paced intrumental tune of much appropriate name. These are more adequate to exemplify the less obvious influence of the remaining members: although Johan Reinholdz is the main songwriter and highlighted musician, there is also a powerful rhythmic powerhouse delivered from Thomas Lejon's drumming, one that is both detailed and complex, as well as powerful and loud, in a combination not always within the grasp of the average metal drummer (prog or otherwise). Gert Daun brings in a solid backing of this rhythmic madness on the bass, though flawed (if it should even be so) by his place in the mix. Martin Hedin provides the agile backing of guitar, much to the like of DT's duo, but also employing a distinct contribution to the refreshing tone.

The counterpart of this diverse array of metal styles is heard in the melodious spirit, driven by a greatly inspired guitar, artfully maintaining the balance between technique and emotion. These interesting elements are found mainly in the title-track and Arch Angel, where Lawrence Mackrory's otherwise displaced vocal leads are suited beautifully in their more atmopheric expression. Truly a shame these weren't fitted as strongly or consistently thoughout the rest of the album.

At the end of the record, a most interesting addition to any prog-metal fan, but perhaps not as exciting if this isn't really your cup of tea.