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I have been following Andromeda loosely since their first
release, Extension of the Wish. And frankly, I have always
considered them to be on the lower-tier of professional prog
metal (along with bands like Vanden Plas, Spiral Architect,
Redemption, Serenity, etc...). The common problem with all
of these European "progressive metal" bands is not the musicianship,
but the vocals the songwriting. So I have always considered
myself a semi-Andromeda fan for this reason: decent instrumentals,
horrible vocals. I feel this way about each of their first
three albums.***
But with their latest release, "The Immunity Zone," it
seems as if Andromeda has finally decided to pick up the slack
and prove themselves as the capable band that they truly are.
The first good move on their part was ridding themselves of
their old singer, and recruiting David Fremberg. His vocal
work is more than adequate on this album, and on more than
one occasion, he gives the band a unique new texture that
I have never heard before. With this album, it seems like
the band is on their way up, quite possibly to join the ranks
of Dream Theater, Symphony X, and Opeth.***
But it doesn't end there. Sporting a new vocalist and
front man, Andromeda really decided to kick the musicianship
up a notch as well. The intricacies of the songwriting on
this album are some of the most original and technical that
I have ever heard. And I like that they decided to lean more
heavily toward "prog metal" and less toward "power metal."
I have seen several corny power metal bands falsely label
themselves as "progressive acts" (Eden's Curse, Communic,
old Andromeda). Now that is not to say that the campy lyrics
and cheesy synth patches are completely gone; Andromeda has
not completely shed their old identity. But they have definitely
put some thought into the compositions, and it all works very
nicely. "Veil of Illumination" is a real masterpiece, and
perhaps their first true masterpiece for this very reason.
It blends their old, catchy sound with dark and complicated
atmospheres. And it does it WELL.***
I would definitely recommend this album to existing fans,
as well as lost fans who sort of gave up by their second and
third album (which includes me). I'd especially recommend
this to all the pioneers of progressive music out there. This
is quite an interesting listen. Yet while "The Immunity Zone"
is not quite perfection, it is a humongous step in the right
direction. Andromeda has gained back my respect completely,
and I am curious to see what they do next.***
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