Progressive melodic metal with a slight touch of the heavy seems like a good way to describe the music of Wingdom as presented on Reality. If you are looking for music with crunch you'd be better served looking elsewhere.
However, if you want something with loads of melody, some progressive tendencies, and the occasional crunchy mid-tempo riff, Wingdom could be the band from you. The five-piece hails from Finland and their debut album, 2005's Reality, has finally made its way to U.S. shores. The band was formed around former Sonata Arctica keyboardist Mikko Harkin and former Rhapsody bassist Alessandro Lotta. You are likely to find some comparisons to those bands in their music, although neither is still with the band.
To give a better frame of reference to those unfamiliar with them, think of Dream Theater with a little less technical skill and a little more melody with lyrics with a distinctly Christian bent. You will notice I said "a little less technical skill," do not take that as a swipe against them. They demonstrate superb technical skills but let's face it, there are not many that can match Dream Theater's pure unadulterated talents. Then again, it is probably a good thing. Who would want a world full of Dream Theaters? Sounds like a pretty dull musical scene if you ask me. Sorry, my mind wandered a little bit there. Let's get back to Wingdom.
Wingdom is a rather silly name, and I have not been able to find any history on how they arrived at it. As silly as the name may or may not be, there is little doubt of the very good music found on Reality. The entire album finds its home in the mid-tempo realm; nothing ever really breaks free of the melodic shackles. They are right at home playing in this range, though there are moments where I think it would have benefited them if they cut loose during a few tracks. I know, they must be saving that for their live shows.
Reality is filled with catchy melodies that are easy to get lost in, for example: "Tomorrow" arrives late on the disk, but features a melodic line that just lulls you in with a smooth bass line and soft, atmospheric keys. It is not the best song on the disk, but it is a beautiful example of their mastery of melody.
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