IMPRESSION

Another line-up change followed the release of Odyssice's first ever recording with Bart Kuehne leaving the group, being too busy with his work, replaced by future Trion drummer Menno Boomsma.Several gigs would follow, including one at the first ProgFarm event in Bakkeveen, along with warm critics, eventually putting the group on the Prog map.In January 2000 Odyssice recorded their first full-length work at Studio Nieuw Spitsbergen and later they signed a deal with Cyclops.Named ''Impression'', the album was finally released in November 2000.

Odyssice deliver their familiar style of melodic, instrumental Neo/Symphonic Prog with both short and long compositions, full of imaginative soundscapes, sensitive lines and atmospheric textures.Most of the pieces are guitar-driven, somewhere between the emotional CAMEL approach and a more fiery JADIS pallette with excellent electric solos and strong lead guitars, offering a variety of tempos and moods, ranging from rich, elaborate arrangements to thrilling, guitar-based melodies.Some of the pieces have a more pronounced keyboard vibe, just when bands of early-80's British Prog come to mind, based on flashy solos and soft piano preludes.The sound of the group is bombastic, grandiose and extremely melodic at the same time with orchestral overtones and a wide spectrum of emotional content, while, despite its modern production, ''Impression'' has enough retro resemblances to satisfy even fans of 70's Progressive Rock.The production is top-notch, typical of a Dutch Progressive Rock band of the genre, with a nice mix and clear changing between the instruments.

A must-have for all lovers of melodic Progressive Rock.Well-crafted musicianship all the way with beautiful guitar work and endless, striking melodies.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.