MON TEMPS ET MON ESPACE

Formed in Gap, France in September 2000, this French group won the Class-Rock contest the next year, appearing also in the compilation album of the event.A 3-track demo was recorded and in 2003 and two years later Opram self-released the debut ''Mon Temps et Mon Espace''.The group was centered around the figure of guitarist/singer Devy Diadema, while the rest of the crew were keyboardist Antoine Cola, bassist Jeremy Joubert and drummer Claude Montagnier.

In their debut Opram provided a powerful Heavy Prog, similar to compatriots NEMO and with notable PORCUPINE TREE influences, based on a balanced attempt between groovy gears and more demanding instrumental work.As expected the album has also strong Prog Metal hints, especially on the bombastic rhythmic parts and the sharp guitar riffs of Diadema, somewhat close to the later DREAM THEATER style.The music is delivered in mid-length tracks with an incredible amount of synths and organs supporting Diadema's energetic guitar moves and contain both accesible yet hard-edged moments and complex ideas with technical playing.There is also a light psychedelic influence on the more laid-back moments, while the (French) vocals of Diadema are absolutely irritating, having both a dramatic and sensitive approach.A monster, solid rhythm section completes Opram's profile.The music gets really virtuosic in the instrumental parts with complicated guitar riffs and shifting keyboard solos, still there is a mood by the group to keep a quasi-typical structure in most songs with song-based passages alternating with instrumental mannerisms.

You love the heavier side of Progressive Rock?Then you should simply track down Opram's debut.Passionate, dynamic and bombastic music all the way, easily recommended.