THE ART OF NAVIGATING BY THE STARS

4.5 Stars. I have no previous experience with the band but have read a lot about how they previously were a lot heavier than this. No matter their history, if you take this album on its own merits, you have to be blown away. The band is basically one guitar, bass and drums with a little bit of rhythm guitar with lead guitar in the mix. The Holzwarth brothers are an awesome rhythm section and Mr. Steffan makes so many full and diverse sounds with his guitar that most prog lovers will not miss the keyboards. And then you have the vocals. Arno Menses, their new singer is awesome and the vocal harmonies on the entire record are every bit as good as King's X. This pushes the boundaries of Prog Metal but doesn't really get there. The songs just ooze melody and I really would have a hard time comparing it to anything else I have ever heard. Easily an excellent addition to any prog music collection.