Imperium
Too Short A Season
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Imperium's Too Short A Season is targeted at progressive metal fans, combining the heavy influences of bands such as Megadeth, Metallica and Black Sabbath with the progressive stylings of Fates Warning, Dream Theater and Queensryche. Imperium has created a truly unique sound, and the release of Too Short A Season in Europe in 1993 was met with critical and commercial acclaim. In short, Too Short A Season features melodic and technical music in a fine balance with an excellent vocalist (Andre Vuurboom) and two heavy guitarists (Rob Cerrone and Michel Cerrone). Heavy Metal, total running time, 48.23
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In Review |
'Sun Caged'
Review Featured In Virtuosityone.com
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| Heavy Metal/Shred | |
By: Andy Craven
ailing from Holland, Sun Caged seem to be creating somewhat of a stir on the
progressive metal scene without having actually released any official product as yet
- this is their debut. This has not stopped them however from landing some pretty
prestigious support slots - most notably with Queensryche. The band have also
managed to secure the mixing talents of Arjen Luccasen (of Star One and Ayreon fame)
and this album sounds stunning.
Sun Caged are in the same vein as Awake era Dream Theater with hints of other acts
like Faith No More (mostly in the vocals of Andre Vuurboom), Meshuggah (mainly in
some of the 7 string riffage) and Pain Of Salvation (a dark vibe in a few places).
Rest assured that these guys have their own sound and that sound is darn classy. The
band is composed of the aforementioned Vuurboom on vocals, Marcel Coenen on guitar
duties, Joost Van Den Broek on keyboards, and Rob Van Der Loo (bass) forming the
rhythm section with Dennis Leeflang (drums). All musicians are extremely talented
highlighted on every track here.
Opener Sedation is one of the most melodic heavy offerings yet there is still some
frightening riffery going on. Carried along by some strong keyboard work the track
is also home to an instrumental section which will give you a glimpse of things to
come elsewhere.
Sun Caged begins with a low 7 string chordal riff before guitar and keyboard
harmonise over an eerie melody. This leads way to an almost DT `Lie` type riff
before heading into a Faith No More sound on the verse (mostly in the vocals). The
chorus sees a strong circling vocal line that builds and highlights the vocal
abilities of Vuurboom. The track then breaks down for a restraint passage which then
goes back into the main bulk of the track - impressive stuff.
Home opens with delicate acoustic guitar and vocals that really breathe. This is
backed up by almost sci-fi keyboard atmospheric effects and its pretty mesmerising.
2:30 in its kicks into life for some more Awake era DT sounds, this is by no means a
rip off, its just the best way to describe the sound. Despite the more simplistic
nature of the track there is a lot going on. Nice changing of time signatures before
going into another restraint texture. This then leads into another very cool riff
that goes through all manner of transitions before heading back into the classy
chorus.
Soil is a fast punishing track that has quite a quirky riff, not a million miles
from something like System Of A Down, but with much better vocals and delivery. The
chorus is pure magic, slowing things down and its got a really strong melody, before
launching into the killer riff for the verse. Guitarist Marcel Coenen proved he has
the chops on his Guitar Talk album, but this album is testament to the fact he has a
array of killer riffs and songs under his belt.
Hollow starts with a nice piano motif before crashing in with a quite melodic verse,
over a heavy framework. Great lyrics too - Whispered like a breeze, mute the sound
relieves my pain. Midst the machine. Feed upon his stain... The vocals are again
good, yet the chorus that is the real star of the track with a great vocal. The
track then builds further before a superb doubled guitar/keyboard solo that leads
back into the chorus - great stuff.
Closing In sees a darker vibe enter the picture and this is where the Pain Of
Salvation reference mentioned earlier rears its head. The track is again home to a
very strong riff with the keys providing great support to the main riff. The track
cools off for the verse which sees some very nice chords from Coenen. The track has
a pretty classic arrangement and its quality shines through every pore of the
track.
The Eighth Day is home to more seven string rifferey in an odd time signature.
Vuurboom manages to throw up a very strong melody line over this, which is not an
easy thing to do, yet it all sound so natural it easy to overlook the skill needed
to do this. Overall the track has quite a dark brooding vibe that does lighten up
for the chorus and its this use of light and shade that oozes yet more class.
A killer riff sets Secrets Of Flight on its path. Very aggressive stuff that leads
into a very quirky keyboard pattern before leading into a cool solo over yet another
riff - I counted 4 in the first 50 seconds! This is one heavy track yet retains a
melodic appeal that adds another element to the sound. This is one of the longest
tracks on the album clocking in at 9 minutes yet there is so much happening the time
just flies by.
Unchanging sees the album out with a more ethereal vibe. Some delicate piano work
starts the piece which is augmented by some brewing thunder storm sound effects.
This then leads into a very melodic verse that reminds me a little of Marillion.
Coenen lays down a nice very melodic almost jazzy part that leads into the second
verse. After the sonic onslaught of the previous track; Unchanging allows a moment
for reflection. Fans of Dream Theater`s more melodic moments will find a lot to like
here, its just goes to highlight the band can write material that would appeal to
any mainstream music fan too. Special mention goes to Coenen for a sublime solo that
is very melodic and emotionally, yet still finds room for moments of guitar flash.
Stunning and a superb way to end the album.
Sun Caged have delivered one of the best debut albums I have heard in eons. Every
track has something to offer, the musicianship is incredibly high yet never takes
priority to the song. There are numerous styles on show, yet it all has the Sun
Caged stamp that tells you this is one the best new bands that has appeared in the
last few years. The band on the basis of this album deserve to be huge.
Hot Spots: Sun Caged, Home, Hollow, Closing, The Eighth Day, Unchanging.
Rating: 94%
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Surgeon
Encyclopedia Of The Insane
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