Mastering Metal music can't only be accomplished by simple and easily playable stuff, nor that it is a necessity for a well done material. On the other hand, extremity on producing highly complex compositions won't be glorified as a constant follower either. Therefore, like everything in life outside the music world, there should be a middle. As for me, I enjoy both sides of the rail and what is considered as middle is no different.

As a band that doesn't declare on any exact direction, the Swiss RIZON, along with other bands under the same "not sure" criteria, has been doing quite nicely. There new album, and third in number, "Masquerade", via the German Karthago Records, is the answer for everyone that looks slightly off tradition, even into modern ventures, but not to the extent that would make one abandon it in the middle.

Through my babblings you must think that I am talking gibberish, yet I have to disagree. Well maybe a little. To keep things simple, I found RIZON as a pretty decent band that showed creativity on forming songs that are both catchy, highly melodic but also structured and arranged in a way that both Progressive and traditional fans would be fond of. Along with an impressive vocal line that mostly is united in a duet of both Mattand Serainasharing some deep emotions that reminded me of the harmonies of the vocal section on AXEL RUDI PELL's band, the rhythm section, the lead guitars and keyboards produced an astounding flow that was constructive yet didn't bring hell over for the mind to comprehend. "Rise On", the anthem of "Tears Of The Sun" and the closing "Bells" surged through my head with powerful choruses yet also with well crafted music that emerged with Hard Rock elements along the IRON MAIDEN, SONATA ARCTICA, without the speedy parts, and HELLOWEEN affiliations.

Although I wouldn't declare this album as the best I have ever heard as there were banalities that merely existed on the similar choruses and the band's several riffages that didn't quite sit well with me. Yet what was done here on "Masquerade" would send me back to RIZON's clutches when the fourth album will be out. In the end I was pleased that this was the first RIZON album that I had the chance to listen.