BEYOND DAYLIGHT

When I bought this album I had no information on this band except that they were signed to InsideOut Music so I was expecting at least a half decent band that new their way around their instruments. I wasnt dissapointed.

The albums opening track Nightwalker starts with a very nice sample of a string quartet that flows nicely into the following passage. What really struck me within the first couple of minutes was not just the abilaty of bassist Torsten Reichert but his abilaty to play an incredably flowing lick that backs up the melody briliantly. Its good to say that he keeps at this level throughout the rest of the album as well. Unfortunatly, Stephan Lill (guitars) Gunter Werno (keyboards) and Andreas Lill (drums) dont impress to the same level, but they are all highly capable musicians.

On Beyond Daylight you notice that the band has more than just a passing nod to Dream Theater, and subsequently theres nothing particularly original on here. But dont let that put you off because there are some very nice songs on this album. The stand outs would be the aformentioned Nightwalker, End Of All Days, the title track Beyond Daylight and Phoenix. Phoenx is the only one of these that comes up with a truly unique sound and its this that elavates it above the other five minute songs on here. Beyond Daylight also throughs up an extend keyboard/vocal only section that pushes the narrative along nicely and helps to create an atmosphere of intruige in the song.

Its safe to say that, though the album isnt too original, its the memorable lyrics and licks that get your attention. Andy Kuntz sings with a clear, strong voice and his love for musicalls really comes across in the title track lyricaly as well as the way that he sings (though nowere near as theatrical as Fish or Peter Gabriel).

Overall this is a very enjoyable album that I will give 3.5 stars to (rounded up to 4). Well worth a listen for the beautiful title track alone and for any fans of Prog-Metal, especially in the Dream Theater vein.