LASER BARON

Reflected on the album's (once again very interesting) artwork, Valence's EP "Laser Baron" is a dynamic, powerful mix of progressive metal and hard rock and ups the tempo significantly compared to their first album "Sleepwalker". Here we have in total 3 compositions which clock to just above 16 minutes but with more riffs to fill a 30-minute album...

Although starting out in a quirky mood, 'Wormhole' provides the mellower balance tune in the middle of the EP with softer, jazzier passages and a fairly relaxed atmosphere. This compensates the relentless bombardment of chopping heavy riffs in 'Laser Baron' and the 'The Reckoning'. And although there is more of a progressive metal philosophy on this EP compared to the debut, there are still the references to Iron Maiden in the highlight closing track, which builds on the Maiden's post-2000 proggier legacy.

The sound is rather bombastic and the amount of riffs they have managed to fit in these 16 minutes is impressive but this could be at times the downside of this EP as it tends to result in a disjointed sequence blast of ideas. The fully instrumental character does not help in that respect as there are moments where the appearance of vocals would be welcome. Therefore the balance tilts towards the overwhelming and this is combined with the not-so-innovative compositions; however, the final result is above average and fans of powerful progressive metal will enjoy this release. Played live, this must be highly entertaining.

3(-) stars