THE GLOBAL VILLAGE

Essential progressive metal album - 4.5 stars. The intricate melodies flow between every track, and there is an emotional intensity that I have yet to hear matched by any progressive bands. Madsword's songs are filled with delicate, transcendental and soulful melodies that set a hypnotic ambience similar to that of AYREON. Madsword definitely do not encompass all aspects of progressive rock as religiously as bands like DREAM THEATER and ANGRA - the progressive emphasis is on the atmosphere and beauty in the simplicity of sweet mystic guitar tones, and underpinning symphonic keyboards. 'Darkened Rooms' , 'Time in the Ice' and 'Mind's Bug' are my favourite tracks, each displaying pure progressive melodic intricacy. Prog metal without the clutter.

Great stuff, well played and full of outstanding pieces. On every piece is emotional intensity combined with great skills = catchy tunes and a 4 star album for me. The best tracks are Time in the ice and Living hexadecimal. Similar bands Empty Tremor, Lemur Voice, Dream Theater. 4 star without hesitation.

"The Global Village" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Italian progressive metal act Madsword. The album was released in 2000 by Underground Symphony.

The music on the album is progressive metal with a good balance between guitars and keyboards. Oh well...the guitars have the main focus but the keyboards are grand and omnipresent. Lead vocalist Andrea "Bedo" Bedin has a strong voice that suits the music well. He can sing high pitched notes but he varies his singing in a good way during the album. His vocals are pretty strongly accented but it´s not someting that ruins the listening experience. The tracks are structurally complex but still accessible. They might be lacking a bit on the memorability and originality barometer, but all in all these are well written and very well played progressive metal tracks.

The production is professional but has an odd sound to it. It´s a bit hard to explain, but it´s a slight issue IMO.

Despite a few issues "The Global Village" comes off as a quality progressive metal album. It´s not particularly original and I would definitely not call Madsword leaders but rather followers. Still I think a 3 - 3.5 star rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)