EXTINCT INSTINCT

This record is a progressive metal album, where the main attraction is the razor rhythmic guitar, which has a very good metal sound! The 2 guitarists here definitely know how to sound like real metal, never being alternative! The guitars are very varied: they also consist in catchy & clean distortion-free notes, a bit like the Queensryche of the 80's. Even the solos are elaborated enough to sound like the ones in the 80's: it is good to learn that there are still guitarists who are able to fine-tune their sound; it is not surprising since one of the guitarists, Karl Groom, played for Shadowland. The highly pitched lead & backing vocals are like the good ones in the 80's, clearly reminding me Tony Martin (Black Sabbath). The modern keyboards have more an accompanying role, often being in the background. This album must be played loud, because it is more metal than progressive, and because the guitar riffs have a nice sound, never irritating! All the tracks are very good, and "Eat the unicorn" is particularly progressive, catchy and addictive. There are more mellow moments like "Forever", "Whispering", "Clear" and "Part of the chaos", which have a cute sentimental FM sound!