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%