SANDSTONE

3.5 stars for sure

Strong and diverse debut by this prog metal band named Sandstone from Poland. Only one album released by this unknown band in 2006 named Looking for myself. Long compositions, with some very nice keyboards passages, the guitar aswell is more then ok, imagine a combination of their country fellows Riverside with aswell almost neo prog parts, in the end is sounding like a metalized neo prog. The title track is the highlight for me, clocking around 15 min and is excellent, nice atmosphere, nice vocals and all is top, the rest of the pices are good. Unknown prog metal band, definetly talented musicins , I don't know why they don't recive much more rave ratings or reviews, this albums surly desearves more. 3.5 stars easy.

At just about the same time as I intended to buy this album I read a review about it in a Dutch prog magazine that ran this one into the ground. At the end of the negative review they stated that it wasn't that bad at all just not original. Well, ok I thought and since I'm a pigheaded person I bought it anyway. One of the big criticisms was that the lyrics weren't original, so many times bands had already written about a person who was looking for himself etc. Actually I don't really care what lyrics are about. Perhaps shallow of me but alas. I'm just interested in the music and that's ok with this band and album if you ask me. Sandstone is another fine band from Poland and even their native country was almost enough for me to have a go at this since I simply adore bands like Collage, Satellite and Riverside. And another reason was my will to check out new unknown bands especially in the neo prog and the prog metal styles.

So what is Sandstone like ? I can't really think of a much resembling other band, Sandstone is pure prog metal, not too rough, it's melodic and progressive with some long instrumental solos, so that means really according to what I like a bout this style. Are there downsides ? No significant ones for me, it's just that they aren't as brilliant as Dream Theater or Threshold for instance. But then we are talking about the very best in the scene so that's not quite fair I would say.

Sandstone is simply a very nice prog metal band and to me they made a very fine debut. There's even doubt about the rating whether I will give it 3 or 4 stars. I will let my gut feeling do the job and give them an encouragement round up to 4. Keep growing, guys !

Sandstone's debut album is an interesting listen.

The influence from groups like Dream Theatre is noticeable, but Sandstone do have an individual take on the music here as well; focusing on creating a slick, polished sound not too often heard from a prog metal band.

The vocals here are somewhat restrained, the keyboards is given much space in the overall soundscapes here, and there seems to be a focus on conveying emotions rather than showing off musical or technical abilities.

Some of the songs are a bit on the weak side though; mostly I think some of them could use more pace. Overall a promising debut here though; and a group it will be interesting to follow.