RIPPLES IN TIME

3.5 stars. Man i had such a hard time with this rating. There is so much to like about this Prog-Metal record from Denmark. The problem for me was it didn't have that ingredients that move me or excite me. It's a great listen but I would reach for dozens of other Prog-Metal cds before I would this one. I'm not a big fan of how the synths are used on this album, and I wish there was more bottom end. It's lacking emotion for me as well. I'm just trying to justify my rating because this is good music.

The first track "Nightmachine" is ok but perhaps not the best track to start off with. "Full Moon" makes up for it though. Some heaviness on this one comes and goes throughout. "In My Own Dream" is another highlight for me and the best so far. I like when he sings "In my own dream" with the backup vocals. Blistering guitar 3 minutes in. Great tune. "Shadowsong" features piano and synths and it's so beautiful. "Through" opens and closes with rain and thunder. In between the focus is on the vocals. It's ok. "Kosmonauten Er Dod" is an uptempo and heavy soundscape but the synths make it average for my tastes.

"Le Temp Des Assassins" opens with a jet taking off. It features thundering drums and aggressive vocals. "Sorry" is better as it goes from mellow to rather emotional and passionate. Some atmosphere 2 minutes in. He screams after 2 1/2 minutes followed by some tasteful guitar. "Ripples In Time" is divided into 4 parts. The first part opens with some synth waves before the drums come in and then some heaviness. I like the deep bass that folows the vocals. Part II continues with some monster bass in the intro. Almost doom-like before 3 minutes. Ripping guitar follows. Part III is slower paced but heavy. Man I wish the rest of the album was like the first three parts of this title track. This part does turn mellow with reserved vocals though. The tempo picks up after 3 minutes. The final part opens with piano. This may be almost ballad-like but it's pretty amazing.

Good but not great.