SONG OF SILENCE

Not bad, just not that much Prog. But what's the biggest difficulty here for me, and it's not easy for me to admit it, are the vocals. I don't think it's because of the language, I'm quite fond of Japanese language, but singing here is sometimes unbearable - Kireta Ito is fine, but first part of Nigerarenai Yoru ni Tsukamatte is just awful and boring, until it breaks and more interesting tunes begins to emerge. Then awful beginning returns and the song finishes on Rock end. At least something, at least Rock, when not Prog in this song.

This is typical borderline case, very melodic, very "late 80s" in sound album, something of a Japan Prog awakening (or rather re-awakening). Of course, I was one of those who voted for their inclusion - there is more in this music and even Starless cannot win against titans of Prog, not even against average Proggers, it deserves its neat little space in the back of our catalogue. There are pieces like Again that brings the album Prog down, pure rock melody up.

3(-), it's up to you guys.

Starless is a japanese prog band that was until few years ago a totaly unknown name to me. Formed in mid 80's and confronting with line up changes across the years they manage to release only 3 albums so far, with lots of years between albums. Song of silence is from 1992, issued by french label Musea. Well, what we have here is a mixed bag of prog metal, symphonic prog, heavy prog even some heavy metal is added, but the result is quite acceptable and fairly ok most of the time, and all done is that specific japanese tradition not far from Outer Limits or Novela. Powerfull progressive metal guitar arrangements like on title track Song of Silence , the longest and the best piece of the album,combined with some like Yes keyboards in places makes from this album a pleasent ride, and when is added some beautiful female vocals the atmosphere is more then ok. What to say more, a good album, not something fantastic , but pleasent and enjoyble for sure. 3 stars.

Starless. Where to begin? Well, the band is talented. The guitars and keyboards are good. The drumming is kind of basic and unimpressive. And the singer, Mayumi Minematsu, is, how should I put this, irritating.

There is something to like about the band. They play a high energy mix of pop and prog, with a sound that reminds me of the anime cartoons that come from their native Japan. But that singer. To me, her shrill shouting voice evokes Geddy Lee on the earlier Rush album, before he learned to rein in the harsher aspects of his sound.

But even Minematsu is not all bad. On Nigerarenai Yoru ni Tsukamatte she finally settles down and sings in a coquettish voice, sounding a bit like a lesser Kate Bush. But that's not enough for me to raise the rating.