HUMAN ERROR!

Code 18 was formed in 2008 by Johnny Maz, keyboard player of the Neo Prog band Huis. The concept album tells the story of two nations fighting the water. Johnny had the help of talented musicians including Michel St-P're of Mystery on guitar. It took 10 years to release this album because the band was working on other projects. ''Crytal of Time'' is a strong opener with his slow pace , a lot of room for keys, and piano. The talented JF Remillard shows his craft with his guitar solo. I hear some influence from Arena on this first song. The big songs are separated by interludes and the first big epic is ''Waste''. It's a song with a brooding atmosphere where the melody is getting momentum slowly with guitar and piano for an energetic second part with some frantic keyboard parts ending peacefully. ''Took it All'' starts with a short ambient intro, then gets in a faster pace quickly with some impressive guitar/keys interplay. It's complex with many rhythm changes. ''River of blood'' is back on a less adventurous territory with some interesting multipart vocals. ''Drought'' is where Michel St-P're comes in with a guitar solo. ''Bed Time Story'' is a relaxing song with some female voice and piano to put you in bed. This is a solid Prog rock album where I really enjoy the keyboard work probably because it was the project written by the keyboard player, a lot of symphonic touches, some rockier songs at the end, and even if there's singing in it sounds like a instrumental album, because the vocals are mostly restraint. Also the drums sound could have been better maybe this could improve in the future with a permanent drummer in the band.