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Review:
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This is a Swedish five piece band, after the self-pressed
mini-album Under The Sun (3 songs) from 2003, their debut
CD Maze Of Time (pleasant blend of symphonic rock and neo-prog)
was relased by the Dutch label AMR Productions in 2006 and
now we can enjoy the delayed new CD entitled Lullaby For
Heroes, again on the Dutch label Art Performance Production
(in 2008). ***
With a slightly changed line-up (lead singer Jesper
Landen instead of guitarplayer/singer Christer Lindstroem)
‘the Mazekeepers’ showcase a stunning progress on their
new album, after a few listening sessions I noticed that
this CD grows and grows! The sound on the 8 compositions
alternates between neo-prog, melodic rock, symphonic rock
and progmetal. I am very pleased with the tasteful keyboard
colouring (from tender piano to bombastic organ and often
pleasant interplay with the guitar), the strong English
vocals (evoking Uriah Heep singer Bernie Shaw) and the flowing
rhythm-section. But the focal point is the excellent guitarwork
by Robert I Erdman, from propulsive heavy riffs to fiery,
howling and moving runs, inspired by the famous rock guitarists
but with an own touch, he succeeds to add an extra dimension
to many songs, especially in Chemical Sleep (Malmsteen-like
heavy solo as a perfect end of that song), wah-wah drenched
and in the final part an exciting build-up solo in the splendid
track Do Androids? and fiery interplay with lush organ in
Temple Of The Gods. The best examples of Mazo Of Time their
progress can be heard on the longer compositions Lullaby
For Heroes (varied with splendid shifting moods and great
work on guitar and keyboards), the alternating Do Androids?
(tasteful Fender piano and sensational interplay between
guitar and keyboards) and the magnum opus Temple Of The
Gods (17 minutes): lots of compelling moments with wonderful
guitarwork and beautiful organ waves.
I started to rate this album with 3,5 stars but in the
end I give 4 stars, a big hand for this very promising Swedish
formation that will please a wide progrock audience with
this varied and melodic new album!
www.progwalhalla.com
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