THE ODYSSEY

I was surprised to see all these 4 and 5 stars ratings here for a not very original and cheesy heavy metal album. IMO, only the first 2 songs save this album from being a total rip-off from other bands material. Vocals sound most of the time like a tired Dio and sometimes like Tony Martin from the last incarnation of Black Sabbath (mainly on track Accolade II - but Tony Martin has a more educated and clean voice). Music borrows heavily from Dream Theater, Black Sabbath (late 80's & 90's), Helloween,even Megadeth, and it seems like the instrumental passages are taken straight from Dream Theater. The lyrics are cheesy, which I suppose it's OK. The title track is very similar to Manowar products (though Manowar never said they were making 'prog-metal') and is laughable in places. Clearly for fans of the band only. It may appeal to 'dungeons & dragons' contingent.