THE GATES OF NEVER

It's always delightful to find new bands that turn out to be a real splendor of good progginess. Apple Pie is the latest find for me, and perhaps even the "find of the year" so to speak. They emerge from what seems to be a third generation of prog rockers, with more clear references to acts like Spock's Beard, Ayreon, Dream Theater etc. than the innovators of the 70's. To me it is always nice to see people build upon well settled ground while exploring their own melodical and structural ideas. The Russian three piece group's second album The Gates of Never contains a bunch of grooviness (such as the upbeat ender Strange Thing Called Love), some strong yearnings for peace and justice (No Reason for This War), a well written and nicely variating while cohesive enough 23-minute suite (Letters of a Deadman) and even a pure prog metal song with a growl part (The Gates of Never). It is quite evident that these guys a very capable musicians, not a trace of amateurism can be found on this cd. With a running length of just under 55 minutes, the album doesn't feel any bit too long and it is one of those that leave quit a happy expression on my face after a listening session. So, recs from here, surely.