RICHARD ANDERSSON'S SPACE ODYSSEY
"The
Astral Episode" (Candlelight; 2005)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Progressive metal keyboardist Richard Andersson found some time out of his busy schedule to hammer out this eight-track endeavor bursting with heavy atmosphere.
With a good handle on the intricacies and nuances that prog metal's virtuoso performance demands, "The Astral Episode" delivers a tougher, edgier version of what you'd expect from a cross between Dream Theater's excessive musicianship and 80s metal's keen knack for melodic vocals with majestic overtones ringing throughout.
"Dazzle the Devil" and the title cut are just two examples of how Space Odyssey pull off the well-trained band vibe meets epic metal troupe sans that clinical approach many bands in this genre struggle with dropping.
For more information, check out http://www.anderssonmusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Nov 2024 13:00:26 -0500.
