NINE LIVES

So this band I have known about only for a short time. They were on tour with Pain Of Salvation, and I was told that Pain Of Salvations new sound actually has a similar sound and vein to this band. So I thought I would give them a listen, and I was impressed.

So when a new album was coming out, I decided to give the band a chance, mainly cause I've never owned an album from the band. Problem is, because of this album, I might have to buy the rest of there albums now.

This album really surprised me. A very almost experimental album, with a very varied and brilliant mixture of styles. Also, one of the biggest positives that these guys have is that they can always keep the listener interested. Usually bands will have an interesting moment and drag it on for very long periods of time. This band are very gifted songwriters and crafters and are brilliant and writing perfectly succinct songs.

The album also runs very well together. The first 3 songs, which easily could be singles and even top pop singles charts are a brilliant intro, while the rest of the songs deal with longer compositions and more experimental styles of songwriting. A very different album and a big suprise to people who have never heard this band before. I gleefully will listen to their older material and be on the look out to see what they will release next.

I also recommend buying the special edition edition, because the bonus tracks are brilliant songs too. I can see why they weren't on the album, because they have a different 'path' to the rest of the songs.

1. Insomniac - A brilliant way to start of an album. One of the most rockiest and fist in the air songs. Brilliant chorus and amazing vocals from Mikko. 10/10

2. Flowers & Rust - The first song I heard from this album, that made me want to buy it. This song has such a powerful hook that it will be stuck in your head for days. Amazing performances from the whole band. 10/10

3. Coming Home - The band's take on American rock...I think. A pretty fun and catchy song. Pretty cheesy at times, but meh who cares. 9/10

4. Lost In Time - The band's take on Space rock. A very atmospheric and rocking song, with a lot of interesting keyboard and guitar work throughout. 9/10

5. Separate Forevers - Ok, this song is a weird one. Very creepy and atmospheric, and almost frightening in an odd way. A brilliant and odd moment on the album, but one of the best. 10/10

6. One May Never Know - A song that reminds me of John Butler Trio. Nice guitar work throughout. One of my least favourite songs on the album, but it's still pretty impressive. 8/10

7. World Without - Probably the album's most epic songs. It moves and changes so much throughout, from an almost choir like start to an epic singalong ending. A very anthemic and epic song. 10/10

8. Black Heart's Cry - One of my other least favourite songs on the album, one of the reasons being that the song is a bit too much like Jethro Tull song, and I have some mixed feelings with Jethro Tull. 8/10

9. Prospect For Escape -An epic ending to the album. Very atmospheric with a great build up. One of Mikko's best vocal performances too. 10/10

CONCLUSION: Only really knowing one song from this band, I was expecting this album to be an arrangement of poppy prog like songs with great hooks. I was very surprised though. A mixture of styles throughout and a very big stylistic impact, making everything and every moment of these songs making the band and the material throughout very unique.

8.6/10

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