VEITH RICARDO PROJECT is a progressive rock/metal band that started in 2005 based in the United States. This is their debut album released on February 26^th, 2021 entitled "Storm Warning". The opener "Running Away" is filled with some rather quick guitar solos, and with the added vocal talents of Juan Ricardo, I find this sounds like a heavier version of MARILLION. The song does not go in one single direction, as there are multiple tempo changes and variations. The song also seems to employ a storytelling approach in the lyrics. There are parts that have a bit of FATES WARNING mixed with THE FLOWER KINGS. The song is very keyboard-oriented, cementing its progressive nature.

What follows is completely different with a much more classical style piano introduction, "The Green Tractor" shows off the eclectic attributes of Vincent Veith. The song is a lot more dramatic in its presentation and borrows a bit from ANATHEMA and the gloomier side of progressive rock. If you enjoyed the slower side of SAVATAGE when Zach Stevens was their singer, you will feel the influence of the legendary American metal band on this number.

"Storm Warning" as the title would suggest does indeed start off with some weather sound effects and is a slow number, where the vocals have a bit of a Tim Owens edge to them. It shows off the heavier side of the band, filled with additional gritty choirs and a lower tone in the rhythm guitar section. The apocalyptic nature of the lyrics goes hand in hand with how the song's musical aspects are very sinister and bleak in tone. When the song turns the tempo up a little, it has some similarities to Yngwie Malmsteen and his album "Fire and Ice".

"Hit the Wall" sounds like something we would have heard out of AVANTASIA or AYREON with a multitude of singers, it has that grandeur and more operatic presentation. On top of that side to the song, the added electronic effects reminded me of OSI on their first album. If you enjoy your blues-infused hard rock, you will love the track "Eruption of Corruption" that just oozes groove and even has a bit of an alternative rock sound. The song has a lot of JIMI HENDRIX in it with the added nods to Tom Morello.

You have a bit more simplicity in the rhythm guitars in a number like "Anathema Maranatha" which somehow brought me back to the early years of Andi Deris with HELLOWEEN when the band was still flirting with the hard rock genre. This definitely has single written all over it and a song to get the crowd chanting in the live setting.

And really what would a progressive album be without a short ballad to show how sentimental and emotional a band be in a more relaxed setting. The band shows off those capabilities in "Always" and they seem to channel the almighty SUPERTRAMP in the album closer "I Still Love You", which does have some corny lyrics, but sounds like it came straight out of the 1970s.

Well, after all these years, this project has put a lot of effort into this album and while it does rely on a lot of well-known traditional elements of progressive rock, it balances the vintage 1970s with more modern progressive metal. Does the album completely stand out in a genre that produces so many albums since the year 2000? That could be difficult, but I think this album can grab the attention of fans of both varieties of prog.