THE ENEMY INSIDE

Wholesale changes in the lineup here as we get a new vocalist, keyboardist and bass player. The great Chris Quirante (REDEMPTION) is back on drums and lead guitarist Sean Entrikin is also back. Like the last album "The Tragedy Of Innocence" we have a concept album here.

"The Enemy Inside (Part 1)" is an instrumental and it hits us with an all out assault right off the bat. It settles some before a minute with tasteful guitar as the drums pound away. It kicks back in and blends into "The Enemy Inside (Part 2)". Such a nice rich sound with chunky bass and synths. Vocals join in and I don't like them as much as the previous singer but they're good regardless. Lots of bottom end as the sound gets fuller. It kicks in as the tempo picks up before settling and blending into "The Enemy Inside (Part 3)". The tempo eventually picks up with guitar in front before settling then building to a heavy sound. Some Tipton-like guitar here. A calm with piano as it blends into "The Enemy Inside (Part 4)". Fragile vocals join in. Guitar after 3 minutes.

"The Enemy Inside (Part 5)" gets pretty heavy with riffs before ending with piano. "Inflicted" opens with crunchy guitar and it kicks in quickly. Vocals follow. It settles around a minute. Fat bass as it kicks back in. "Disillusion" opens with a stampede of drums with huge bass lines. Guitar then vocals follow. The tempo proceeds to change often. "Edge Of Discovery" opens with synths as a full sound comes in quickly. Vocals follow. It settles with some great sounding bass. Contrasts between heavy and calm continue. "Trial And Tragedy" opens with some nice guitar as drums, bass and synths join in. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes as vocals follow. The organ after 7 minutes is ripping it up. Guitar a minute later. A calm 9 minutes in. Great sound before 13 minutes. More huge bass after 14 minutes and organ follows in this over 20 minute epic.

This just isn't as good as their last album, which to be honest was a low 4 stars for me.