I love Andromeda...

ill buy it once it is realeased here

I've got my hands on a copy and although I haven't listened to the full thing yet, i'm really enjoying it.

Let's put it this way:  This IS Andromeda.  I've talked to a few people who were somewhat put off by II=I and David Fremberg's vocals.  Unfortunately for you the vocals remain, but this time there is much more range and scope.  Simply put, he nails nearly every note perfectly.  What's special about this album though is that it seems like a combination of Extension and II=I.  It's heavy and relentless, the bass pounds and the riffage is near continuous, but the band doesn't compromise their 'spacey' sound.  It's every bit as experimental as you can imagine, but with a much heavier outlook than their second album, though the keyboard effects do add a more melodic feel overall.  The timing is flawless too.  Andromeda is a band that you can rely on to give it their all.  Chimera is no exception, it's a real step forward.  An album every prog metal enthusiast should own.

Drew wrote: Hope its better than their last release- Their 1st was a lot better.

I agree Drew.I loved Extension of the Wish,but was a little let down by II=I.It was slightly more melodic,and the vocals were sub-par.IMO

I'm a fan of II=I, though it took me a while to get used to it.  I love both albums equally (Extension and II=I) so i'm not the best judge, but i'd say you'll prefer Chimera over their second release because i'm guessing you love Andromeda for their heavier side.  This album is heavy throughout.  Sure, there are little bits of spanish and accoustic guitar thrown in in places alongside piano solos, but all in all, they retain their feel of Extension.  David adds a II=I touch with his vocals, but apart from that the band is relentless.  They do what they set out to do:  Create an album that's different from its predecessors, yet still has that Andromeda feel to it.  Isn't that what prog metal is all about?

I've a feeling you guys will enjoy it.  I know I am.  I've been going to bed wondering when the next time i'll hear that keyboard opening to Periscope will be.  That's when you know you've been hooked.  Oh, and they've also thrown in a live version of Chameleon Carnival for us.

   I've listened Chimera about 10-15 times until now, and all what I can say is that it's way better than II=I, but IMHO it's not better than Extension Of The Wish. It certainly has some new elements (like The Hidden Riddle's acoustic guitar intro, and the presence of more keyboard driven sections an solos), and it sometimes sounds more like a mixture of its predecessors, but here they're not being as "spacey" or experimental as before, they're also less original than in the two previous recordings, but that doesn't affect their music's quality and unique style, it keeps being as complex, precise and enjoyable as always. The vocals are really improved and better fitted here, same goes for the drums and the bass, wich now sound louder, more outstanding and less opaqued. Overall I recommend every Andromeda fan to purchase this record, it's a real good deal, nobody will get disappointed with this...

   P.D: japanese edition includes a 10th track, it's a live version of Chameleon Carnival... :-)