Whoa! Is 2007 the progressive man's year of paradise or what? After DREAM THEATER's Systematic Chaos, PLANET X mark the spot by releasing their new album Quantum - thus offering their audience with a very interesting record of its kind, to broaden the collection of sounds in the metal-meets-fusion genre.

Actually, Quantum is the third studio album from PLANET X. Here there are literally tons of famous artists - and in particular guitarists. This CD features Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Virgil Donati on drums, Allan Holdsworth on 2 guitar tracks, plus Brett Garsed on guitar, Jimmy Johnson and Rufus Philpot on bass. What more could you possibly ask from such an all-star mega band?

Well, I guess that there are not many things to say about these type of bands. It is a whether you like or not album/situation. Of course, if your taste incorporates jazz flavor, metal gourmet, rock attitude, tons of experimentation and constant tempo change then seek no more, 'cause this is the band my friend. On the other hand, if you are not that fond into experimental instrumental music then this album might sound as a bit unpleasant, or with few interest to dig into. My opinion lies somewhere between the two aforementioned attitudes, since I believe that this album contains many interesting and well played melodies and songs, but I get a bit tired after all these glorious tempo and thematic changes it contains.

Needless to say that this album offers artistic perfection and no one can argue about the skills and technicality of the musical players presented here. Obviously PLANET X appeal to more thinking musical oriented heavy rock listeners than other people but that is OK after all. As Derek quotes about the album ...at least we will have it out before Chinese Democracy. Hopefully we may have a chance to listen to the new GUNS AND ROSES album pretty soon but till then Quantum covers our taste. If you want to focus on some of the coolest songs in this CD then maybe you should check on songs such as The Thinking Stone, Kingdom of Dreams and Quantum Factor .