FRAGMENT SOUL

I can give the album artwork an A+, but the music on this self-proclaimed "Progressive metal from a Sorrowful World" is not really progressive, nor is it metal (just because the guitars have distortion does not make it Metal). It is more akin to ambient "space music" with vocals and guitars.

The pacing of every song is funeral dirge-like, and never brings anything akin to excitement. The chords being played are somewhat nice, and the vocal bits also, but there's no real variety from song to song; it all seems like one long, monotonous droning sound. From the band's bandcamp page, this would appear to be what they were aiming for. Well boys, you hit it, if that was what you were shooting for! - But you've left this reviewer yawning and wondering why he's wasted 42:02 of his life (plus the time to write this review) on an album with great cover art, and nothing of power under the hood.

Unless droning, ambientesque guitars are your thing, this one might be best left alone. Better yet, sample it at bandcamp and draw your own conclusions. But I'd advise bringing lots of coffee for this journey...

This is a fine album for what it is, but it just isn't Progressive Metal. And so, my rating is consistent with the progarchives guidelines. Hopefully the next one will be better. I've a feeling that this band might be able to put together a really good album. But this one isn't it.

As always, your mileage may vary.

Grace and peace to you all. Cylli (Jim)