Electrum plays all-instrumental progressive rock featuring drums/bass/guitar/keyboards. The first album had a strong Rush influence, and pieces often seemed like extended Rush instrumentals with the metal dynamics softened. The new album injects some of the metal back in, but purges most other Rush influences. One can still detect a little Rush in Joe Musmanno's drumming which is stronger and tighter on this album than on the first, with plenty of Neil Peart-like tom rolls. The CD's last two selections also have some distinctly Alex Lifeson guitar stylings.

But where Electrum stands on its own is the use of more symphonic elements. "The Impudent Piece of Crockery" incorporates some lovely textured guitar playing. "A Fugue State" runs though several styles such as hard rock, jazz, prog-rock and features some excellent syncopated melodies. There is not a naff tune on the disc. In short, this is a superb example of finely crafted progressive rock. Highly recommended.

Sound: ***1/2 Composition: **** Musicianship: **** Performance: ***
Total rating: 14 1/2