ANTHEM TO CREATION

In a year with several disappointing progressive metal releases, I think it's safe to say that I am a little wary. However, I think this is a good state of mind to employ because then an album has a chance to surprise you. Greece's Until Rain have done just that with their pleasant brand of melodic prog metal.

Sometimes, 'Anthem to Creation' feels like a power metal album. Other times, it feels like melodic metal. Still again, it feels like a heavier version of neo-prog. The band certainly breaks the mold by introducing quite a bit of variety, though the distinctions between songs aren't immensely different. They are there, though.

What does that mean? It means that Until Rain offers metal fans plenty of crashing riffs and technical expertise, especially early on in the album. Tracks such as 'Living Hell' (possibly the best) and 'Empty Helmet' definitely fall here; but other tracks, such as 'Marionettes', employ a great synth-driven style that I was surprised to hear. Complex, yet beautiful in both melody and vocal harmony, 'Anthem to Creation' has much going for it. I must say, though, that I'm not a huge fan of the vocals, although the singer certainly does not grate upon my ears. His voice is pretty standard, though.

Instrumentally, the band excels. The drumming is appropriate, and features some great fills. The guitar work is also hard-hitting and dynamic. Indeed, I think I would place Until Rain under the Symphony X umbrella instead of the Dream Theater realm of influence simply because the guitar work is so much like 'Paradise Lost' and the like. This band certainly can play, and the composition is pretty good, too. In fact, the title track is a great 18+ minute epic, so that in itself shows that these guys can write well.

All in all, this isn't an earth-shattering release, but it is competently written, expertly performed, and passionately presented. It also helps that some rather deep topics are in discussion within this album, so that adds to the intensity and almost desperate tone of some of the songs. Progressive metals fans will really be pleased with this solid release, I think.