Since QUEENSRYCHE created the new outfit for Progressive Metal in the 80's, many bands experienced a lot with their musical works, opening new possibilities for this genre. In the work of the veteran TAD MOROSE, from Sweden, we always can trust that a good work is coming. "Chapter X", their latest album, is here to show it to all of us. They have a modern, aggressive and abrasive insight in Progressive/Power Metal that will remind us the way that SYMPHONY X used on "Paradise Lost", but being even more aggressive (and no, I'm not saying that the quintet is copying the North American group), focused on a strong work of guitars, instead of using keyboards parts to create atmospheric parts. No, they are brutally catchy, with charming melodies that will bind you to their work. It's truly amazing and seductive!

The production was done in a way that the sound quality was built to be brutal and aggressive, but clear as well. The abrasive aggressiveness is presented by the modern tunes and oppressive weight of their songs, but the clarity allows us all to understand what they are playing, their musical arrangements and their lovely melodies. It's a great work, indeed.

27 years is time enough to mature a band. They use the experience that they gathered through all these years to build a great set of songs, all of them amazing pieces of Metal. But the modern weight and impact that is shown on "Apocalypse" (amazing guitar riffs), the charming tempos of "Come Morpheus" (a heavy work from bass guitar and drums), the traditional Heavy Metal melodies of "Deprived of Life", the perfect match between excellent harmonies and fine vocals heard on "Leviathan Rise" and on "Liar" (this one shows some groove parts that are excellent), the 80's traditional Heavy Metal seduction that is presented on the harmonies of "Masquerader", the abrasive modern riffs of "Slaves to the Dying Sun" (some grunts can be heard as backing vocals here), the bonecrushing rhythmic conductions of "Turn to Dust", and the introspective feeling that permeates "....Yet Still You Preach" can be pointed as their finest shots (if this album have one, because even the songs I didn't mention are excellent).

A creative and amazing album, "Chapter X" is here to show that TAD MOROSE still deserves a lot of respect from Metal fans. Crank it out loud, guys!