Beyond the bridge - The old man and the spirit (Frontiers Records)
Going further down on the list of top albums for 2012, there is the debut (and sole album to date) of this relatively unknown progressive metal outfit from Germany. There is little information on the band, other than the fact that they have been active for almost a decade before the release of this album, and it clearly shows, as this is not a rushed or amateurish debut but rather a very well thought out album which demands respect as one of the most hopeful progressive metal debuts of this decade.
The album starts off with "The Call" with a short intro before male vocals joining in, after the four minute mark the dynamic changes with the music slowing down in a interlude before expanding into a dynamic sound again."The Apparition" is a very strong song, which expands on the themes of its predecessor while being an individual marvel of modern music craftsmanship. "Triumph of Irreality" starts with keyboards with instruments coming in slowly and i excellent and strongly reminiscent of Ayreon. "World of Wonders" also kicks off with a mellow keyboard sound, while female vocals enter later on to give an ethereal vibe to this tune.
"'Doorway to Salvation'" is a metal track through ad through with dynamic riffing and powerful melodic lines. "The Struggle" starts with male voice singing a repetitive but addictive line, soon after the female voice interjects and creates one of th most powerful and human moments of the album. "The Difference is Human" is a typically long prog song, with mood changing throughout, creating a solid prog metal anthem. "Where the Earth and Sky Meet"is more quiet but has an amazingly emotional ending that will grip your heart. The album finishes with "All a Man Can Do" which is also a long prog track, with excellent flow which brings to end an amazing debut from a very promising band. Kudos guys and I am eagerly waiting to hear what's next!
95/100
Below is a live sample of the band performing "The Difference is Human"
The album starts off with "The Call" with a short intro before male vocals joining in, after the four minute mark the dynamic changes with the music slowing down in a interlude before expanding into a dynamic sound again."The Apparition" is a very strong song, which expands on the themes of its predecessor while being an individual marvel of modern music craftsmanship. "Triumph of Irreality" starts with keyboards with instruments coming in slowly and i excellent and strongly reminiscent of Ayreon. "World of Wonders" also kicks off with a mellow keyboard sound, while female vocals enter later on to give an ethereal vibe to this tune.
"'Doorway to Salvation'" is a metal track through ad through with dynamic riffing and powerful melodic lines. "The Struggle" starts with male voice singing a repetitive but addictive line, soon after the female voice interjects and creates one of th most powerful and human moments of the album. "The Difference is Human" is a typically long prog song, with mood changing throughout, creating a solid prog metal anthem. "Where the Earth and Sky Meet"is more quiet but has an amazingly emotional ending that will grip your heart. The album finishes with "All a Man Can Do" which is also a long prog track, with excellent flow which brings to end an amazing debut from a very promising band. Kudos guys and I am eagerly waiting to hear what's next!
95/100
Below is a live sample of the band performing "The Difference is Human"
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