This is one of the releases I was looking forward to listen to. Since I haven't come across any of this band's releases (they have only released a demo CD), this album was a pretty good chance to check these guys out. Hmmm, they seem pretty interesting. I hope that you will like these guys as much as I do...

ART OF SIMPLICITY is a Greek act which was formed in 2003 and features members from FRAGILE VASTNESS and WASTEFALL, two of the top Greek Progressive Metal bands. In the summer of 2005, when all members had gathered, the band recorded and released its Asymmetric demo CD. In August 2006, Burning Star saw that these guys were something more than talented and signed immediately. The result of this contract was the band's debut album, Caught In This Iless Storm.

I admit that since I am not a fan of Progressive Metal (in the style of bands like DREAM THEATER, FATES WARNING etc.) I expected an album that would keep me interested during the first 3-4 tracks and then I would fall asleep on the keyboard. Fortunately, this band's basic influence is the best Progressive Metal band out there (in my humble opinion of course), PAIN OF SALVATION! Incredible melodies that can be best described as progressive just because this band composes music without any limitations. The riffing is truly amazing and except from its more progressive or melodic moments there are also some great outbreaks, which remind of NEVERMORE. In Caught In This Iless Storm, the listener comes across twelve great tracks full of great riffing, incredible rhythm section, amazing vocals (the singer's voice is sometimes similar to Gildenlow's) and complex rhythms that all together make a more than great album! As the band's members say, their goal is to play music that balances between simplicity, in a way that a listener not familiar with the sound can enjoy, and art, so that the listener that searches for something more is intrigued. The only thing I have to say is that they seem to have achieved their goal!

If you are a fan of the progressive sound or you like bands like PAIN OF SALVATION, FATES WARNING and PORCUPINE TREE, you have just found the band that will become an essential part for you and your collection. Trust me and buy this CD.