A PRELUDE TO INSANITY

Little is known about this Swedish progressive metal band. "A Prelude to Insanity" is their debut EP and consists of four very interesting, somewhat different to each other and full-of-energy compositions. A distinct element of their sound is the use of the electric accordion, which, to my ears, sounds like high-pitched keyboards with either a neo-prog or hammond-like "taste". Its use is instantly evident in the opening, polyrhythmic metal track Rebirth, where the constant soloing over the rhythm section proves to be a "lifting" combination. Peace of Mind is somewhat different, with the first half being devoted to a melodic, slow intro and the second half developing in a neo-symphonic (!) piece boasting about its IQ influence - no metal here but a purely progressive rock composition.

Sleep on Aripripazol behaves as a more representative prog-metal track with mid-tempo riffs and key soloing, resembling to the big names of the scene, such as Dream Theater; mid-way through it shifts to more heavy-prog, but also oriental, patterns that keep the interest high. The album concludes with The Fallen which sounds heavily influenced by Pain of Salvation on the one hand, but also by later Porcupine Tree/Opeth on the other, especially on the resulting ambiences. However, it rarely falls into the trap of imitation and keeps a fairly original character.

The variance in the vocals, ranging from clean, classic prog-rock type to brutal, adds extra points to this effort. Overall, this EP has surprised me positively and should appeal to fans of the aforementioned bands; the blend of influences produces a dynamic, "fresh" result which deserves no less than 3.5 stars.