FROM WITHIN

The second release from Astra has these guys on fire. Love this collection. Heavy, strong at times, progressive and lyrical at times, but always serious rocking metal. Lots of hummable melodies, lots of awesome guitar and keyboard work, drumming is great, and vocals kick ass. There is a definite link to the power metal band DGM, since vocalist Titta Tani, and keyboardist Emanuele Casali were doing double duty for a few cds. I don't think there is a bad cut on the disc. The first 3 cuts are very strong, the next 2 are a little more gentle, and then it just rips until the last cut which is an incredible tribute to Queen, more so Freddie Mercury. A beautiful way to end this very solid sophomore release from a band I hope will be around for a long time. Almost forgot to mention song #8. It strikes me as a strange tribute to Styx, but maybe I'm crazy. Would love to know others opinions on the question. The intro and chorus just scream Styx to me, and that is maybe because I haven't taken my meds today...