After a few songs, there is a lineup change, the band has picked up a new singer in Andi Deris. A change that I applaud. It also signals a change to some of the videos, the goofiness diminishes, in favor of a growing maturity and an increasing use of the high concept. Besides that Deris has a much better voice, it has a little bit of gravel thrown in and fits better with the sound.
The experiments gradually increase, culminating with "Power" and "The Time of the Oath." The experiments begin to taper off, and are replaced with a more 90's stylized movement, using black and white and lots of shadows, also slightly minimalist with songs like "Forever and One" and "I Can." The album closes out with the CG excess of "Just a Little Sign." It's a good song, but the video is a little over the top, but it does show them embracing the uses of modern technology at any expense.
There isn't that much in the way of extras. There is a montage of live clips to the song "Hey Lord." There is a photo gallery consisting of nearly 100 photos of the band on and off stage. Finally there are Outtakes, which amounts to about 5 minutes of footage of the band off stage.
Bottomline. This disk is a lot of fun, and works s an introduction to an underrated metal act. The videos are good and show a growth in the band over the years, plus the music isn't that bad. So, if you happen to have a penchant for 80's style metal, this would definitely be worth looking into.
Recommended.
Article comments