SPECS OF PICTURES BURNT BEYOND

This is the first album I have heard from Zero Hour. Although I liked it quite a bit, I don't really feel that I have all that much to say about it. Since I started writing this review though, I'll try to put my thoughts into words anyway. ;)

First off, it's a very good album of melodic progressive metal. The biggest influence does seem rather obvious though.

If you liked Queenryche, especially their album Promised Land, there's a reasonably good chance you will like this album. The very first thing I think a lot of people will notice is that vocalist Chris Salinas' vocals are pretty much a dead ringer for Geoff Tate. The playing and song writing are also similar to Queensryche's Promised Land era.

However, as I said, this is a very good album. A majority of the tracks are between 7-9 minutes in length which feels like just the right length to develop the ideas within the songs without risking overstaying their welcome.

"I Am Here", the shortest track with vocals, is one of my favourites off of this album. It's the most melodic track on the album, but also managers to be one of the most emotional.

Highlights: "Face the Fear". "The Falcon's Cry", "Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond", "I Am Here"