PROMO 2001

Ok, once again progrules is going against the common flow here, haha. Exawatt just delivered a new release and the one I bought is this promo from 2001. Doesn't matter, I'll just have to review this one then don't I ? Anyway, in this way we can have a look at the earlier days of this Italian prog metal band. First let's see what Exawatt sounds like compared to the pm-leaders.

Well, listening to the first few tones the answer isn't really difficult. On the opener Power of Fate it obviously sounds like Symphony X, but combined with the vocals I would rather say the Rod Tyler period of SX than the Russell Allan period. Let's face it: Lucca Benni is nowhere near the huge level Allan reaches so that's a pretty big minor to start with. The instrumental handling, compositional quality and also production isn't too much wrong with I have to admit so no negative comments from me here.

Is Exawatt at this stage of their career a highly original prog metal band this subgenre was anxiously waiting for ? Hmm, don't think so to be fair but if you don't mind just another very fine addition to this metal genre you might well give this band a try. Don't know if it has to be this promo though since I don't know any other releases (yet). If you happen to run into this one for a few bucks, you could easily take it is my only possible conclusion. The promo is good but non-essential all in all. So three stars.