When you get to listen to a (widely) Prog Metal album, it is - I suppose - obvious enough you're prepared to expect i) notable individual instrumentation, ii) relative production, iii) great band 'chemistry'. So, what's left in this case? A parade of emotions, skeptics and the fiery of 'what's next', maybe? Well, Aussie progsters EYEFEAR did fulfill the former 'must(s)' but seem incomplete as regards the latter statement.
Signing to the non-newbie-anymore Dockyard1 label, a wider horizon is opened up now for the Australian outfit. Their two former albums - 9 Elements Of Inner Vision and Edge Of Existence - had already created some murmur regarding their will to deliver 'perfect' Prog Metal music, and now it's the crucial A.W.F.O.G. go-round to push the band to a higher level; or not.
(90s) FATES WARNING and some of (catatonic) DREAM THEATER/SYMPHONY X with parts of (sophisticated) IRON MAIDEN. Is this enough? To get more serious, Danny Cecati has a great voice (Bruce Dickinson and Ray Alder in one), even if he sounds somehow pathetic at times. The feeling is expanded in the Songwriting beautiful melodies, but with much of melancholy inside. Is this the scope? Should the whole album be judged due to its mood? Hmmm...
I dig Lost Within and Whispers Of The Soul much enough. They are vivid and EYFEAR presents some ass-kicking soloing and keys atmosphere in this tune. And then came the sadness again. Or 'depression' does suit better? I stiff upper lip...The band performs really fine. Then what's the drawback in the whole album? The audition is over, and there's a negative feeling overall. A lack of energy. Is this the end? Do you like your 'perfect' Prog Metal bringing you less of optimism and much of vanity?
A World Full Of Grey stands as the perfect title for this album. Mixed and mastered by the famous Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND axeman) in Sweden, EYEFEAR's third release is your next 'gift' if you still praise the ambiance of albums like the Perfect Symmetry/Parallels/Inside Out triplet. Otherwise, think again.