EPSILON 1

Something new majestic is turning out, yeah! The band name perfectly matches due to a bombast approach coming up, equipped with symphonic keyboard patterns. As for that Jeff Hamel consequently continues his - definitely successful - concept with 'Epsilon 1', while merging neo and heavy prog as well as some metal and spheric psychedelic moments. As I was really amazed by the forerunner 'V-O.Z' I came to this with much curiosity, that was to be expected.- hence probably associated with defined standards which are relatively high.

Jeff routinely handles nearly all the instruments, except the percussion work which is Mike Kosacek's business once again. Even the vocal line-up is quite similiar to the prior album, though only quite, as - really noticable - Marc Atkinson is appearing for the song Starlight. Not wanting to bash the other vocalists in any case, but Marc and Jeff are very compatible I want to accentuate, as they both have the ability to represent a special melancholic sentiment. A very nice song, however this partially sounds only a few stones close to 'A Secret' somehow, which we already had on 'One Eye On The Sunrise' in 2012.

As a designated psychedelic/space rock fan, of course I have to notice Event Horizon - this comes like they (Jeff and Mike) are jamming a lot here, until vocalist David Cagle interfers into this affair sooner or later. 'Epsilon 1' establishs its real strengths especially when reaching for the second partition, the Epsilon suite as such. Musicianship is great without question, consequently this one is a solid prog album, again featuring a crossover of styles, nice vocals and harmonies, thus a recommendable offer to purchase without a doubt - 3.5 stars.