I've always held a soft spot for well-played Prog, and I can say without a doubt that INNERSHINE fall, rather superbly, into this category. The band hail from Italy and play a very relaxed, sombre sounding style with an absolutely fantastic cross of heavier Prog Metal and more atmospheric Prog Rock, citing influences from obvious choices such as DREAM THEATER and PINK FLOYD, to slightly less obvious ones such as TOTO.

"Where The Spirits Wander" is INNERSHINE's first offering, and on the basis of this, they could have a long and successful career ahead of them. Everything from the two minute intro "...To The End Of Reality", with its slightly surreal, atmospheric feel, to the twelve minute mammoth that is "Always Late" works together perfectly, the band has kept a bit of diversity about the record as well, the piano backed closer "Teenage Whisper" is possibly a little too emotional and angst-ridden for me but that's the only song which falls anywhere near short of the mark.

The mournful feel does carry throughout the record and the songs are all seemingly based around self-reflection and introspection, it might not be what you would listen to in order to get yourself pumped up for a big day but at the end of a long, tiring day, it's pretty much perfect.

Instrumentally INNERSHINE are superb as well, the chemistry between the guitars of Fabrizio Sgattoni and the keyboards, done so masterfully by Rossano Capriotti, is almost flawless, and the ease with which the band switch between acoustic interludes and more powerful rhythms is also a pleasure to listen to hear.

Vocalist Simone Ragni has got a great voice for the music also, his sobering voice compliments the band's sound brilliantly, providing a deep emotion for each and every note. Even better, after a little hunt on YouTube, I found a live version of "War To The War", which demonstrates the bands class and shows a definite ability to perform live.

On the off chance that I haven't been clear enough, let me state that I have been completely blown away by this record, it manages to be atmospheric and solemn and yet so full of energy all at the same time. I thoroughly hope that this band gets some deserved recognition and goes from strength to strength. Fantastic band, fantastic record, what a way to start your career.