INNERGY

As I've learned from other sources, FORGOTTEN SUNS used to be a pretty innovative and fresh-sounding band playing heavy prog/neo-prog. I've decided to begin with this one, and it left me disappointed. The problem is not that I don't hear heavy prog/neo prog here, the problem is that I don't hear FORGOTTEN SUNS here. It's almost perfect DREAM THEATER clone circa 94-99. I like those years, I like DT, but I prefer bands that have their own manner (even when taking inspiration in someone else's music), not just blatant copycats. I'll try to check early FS albums too, but this one is recommended for die-hard DT fans only

Interesting production from this Portugese act, and a rather good one too.

Vintage prog metal is the foundation for the proceedings, and old Dream Theater fans will recognize the guitar sound used throughout this affair as well. To spice up this affair space-tinged moods are added in now and again, and even a few jazzy segments.

But the dominating aspect of this album are quickly evolving and changing compositions, where quirky riff structures go hand in hand with more atmospheric moments; and the mostly long numbers go from theme to theme in quick succession - revisiting them often enough to get familiar with the differeing moods and atmospheres but still giving the listener more than enough to pay attention too.

There's nothing highly original here though - this is vintage prog metal, albeit more challenging and intricate than most such productions go - but the craftmanship is solid, and as the band are more concerned in creating atmospheres than showcasing technical skills in the instrumental parts those not fond of endless shredding in their prog metal should ahve a good reason for checking out this affair.

Yep, this is not bad metal at all. Actually, it's accessible, offering different sounds, elements, melodies (is there a opposite to melody ? I don't think so), not so much dissonant parts (fortunately) and others. Another important factor is something I understand generally as "being-innovative & yet interesting & yet not so weir", even being weird is good (is it ? sometimes yes). This music is not weird at all, it's metal, nothing shocking and sweet (the things that Moon Safari is blamed for) like Alias Eye, or even A.C.T. - this is normal prog metal. Umm, heavy prog ? Maybe their previous albums, I know just this one, but this is metal for sure. Important thing here is that it sounds "new". There are experimenting parts, where they venture to places (no man has gone before). And they get away with it quite easily, without problem.

4(+), this music flow quite easily, even there's nothing so big to be considered as masterpiece. And kids, remember to read Windhawk's review, it's has far more info than mine (I'm serious, I work with feelings, not facts)

This 2009 album was the first in five years for these Portuguese proggers, and saw a change not only in lead singer but also in their direction. When they first started these guys were heavily influenced by bands such as Marillion, but it is obvious that they have more recently been listening to Dream Theater and possibly Threshold which has meant that their music has become somewhat darker and heavier. Apparently in between 'Snooze' and 'Innergy' they opened for bands such as Fish, the Flower Kings and Pain of Salvation but if any of these now influences their musical style it is the last. This is prog metal that is on a roll ? it flies with an exuberance not often heard with many bands, and it pervades the album. This is a joy to listen to ? a real delight. Where there needs to be complexity it is there, melody always, but if there is a requirement for a simple crunching chord then these guys definitely deliver.

If you have heard the earlier albums, then all I can say is that while they were good works they didn't show just what these guys were capable of. There are still some longer numbers that allow the bands to spread their muscle, but with nothing above 13 minutes there are no real epics. If you enjoy your prog heavy and metallic, with loads of symphonic soaring vocals then this is for you. And if you don't think that you like prog, but listen to symphonic rock such as Therion then this album happily straddles the pigeonholes and is something that is definitely worth seeking out. www.progrockrercords.com

The second album of the Portuguese Prog-Rock band Forgotten Suns brings a new line-up and a new reocrd label, Progrock Records from USA. Eight new songs in over one hour. Progressive Metal is the main genre of "Innergy", a much heavier effort than the previous works, cohesive, mature, with a more careful production and a fuller and more powerful sound. A lot of melody is allied to the progressive contours and tends a little bit more to Hard Rock / Heavy Metal rather than the symphonic sound of previous albums. The band has its own style and sound but, nevertheless, some (new) influences by the likes of Fates Warning, Savatage, Evergrey, Dream Theater or Pain Of Salvation can be uncovered. It is not a masterpiece but, I would say with certainty, the future of Portuguese Progressive Metal goes through here.