THE GIFT OF TEARS

Ulysses

Progressive Metal

3.78 | 18 ratings

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Windhawk
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

This third album from Dutch outfit will probably get quite a few fans, but I'm afraid that I won't be among the ones playing this production very often.

The style in question for this release is progressive metal; and of a variety that makes me think of the older productions by acts such as Fates Warning and Dream Theater mixed with 80's heavy metal - but slower and without much finesse.

Drawn out guitar riffs mixed with organ and synths created the moods and melodies in these compositions; with strong and distinct vocals adding to the melodic impact in the vocal segments and synth and guitar soloing having the same role in the non-vocal parts.

The performances are generally nice from vocalist and instrumentalists alike; but the good compositions are lacking. There's not enough ideas or themes explored to support the choice for the longer tracks here, and too many segments appear to go nowhere. And a bit too much focus on melodramatics throughout gets to be a bit tiring.

Those who like their prog metal on the slow and heavy side and enjoy a fair bit of dramatics should find this to be an intriguing affair though; others are advised to investigate further to see if this album is of interest or not.

Windhawk | 3/5 | 2009-4-23

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