The U.K. has long been a hot-bed breeding ground for some of the most influential bands in history. It also remains that way with so many talented bands just surfacing to this day. Manchester's latest export to the world is named COLLIBUS. A female-fronted progressive rock band with so much classic Metal mixed in that they have a new, fresh sound of exceptional musicianship and talented vocals that will make any fan of DREAM THEATER or straight up heavy metal fan take notice.

When the one and only Dr. Brian May of QUEEN fame spews forth platitudes about you and your first album, you may be onto something big indeed. May said, "COLLIBUS is already a phenomenon. Scary musicianship at the most furious end of the metal spectrum, crowned with Gemma Fox's passion and power as a vocalist. Ouch. Impossible to ignore."

He is correct of course. The band sounds to have unlimited talents all around and can (and do) take the music wherever it suits them. Wicked riffs, wild sweeping leads, fills, tempo changes, and the soaring voice of Gemma Fox. Power, beauty, and creativity on full display.

"Lie In Wait" is the soft, haunting to dark, edgy intro that leaves you waiting for the onslaught of sound to begin and they do not disappoint in any way when the power of "Leave It All Behind" follows. Up-tempo powerful guitars with sharp drum work lead into Gemma's powerful introduction to your senses. Every single part of this band screams ability and together they are undeniably going to be in the world's consciousness before long. "The Fallen", the albums third track, takes you into the head-banger world and this writer was looking for the lighters held aloft in awe of what permeated the room through my speakers. These guys as a band match anything heard from the Prog melodic Metal kingdom and then some and make no mistake, they can shred with the best of them.

"This band has a lot of potential and are just thriving to unleash it upon the world! Monstrous guitar solos, a grooving rhythm section and a vocalist that just smacks you in the face with melody!" - Luke Appleton, ICED EARTH.

That comment suffices in description alone. This is a must own album. Those of you lucky enough can catch them at Download Festival where they will surely blow the top off the place.