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SUPERIOR, the eldest Metal-band from Kaiserslautern, has recently published their third album "Ultima Ratio". Everyone who hoped that they would go back to old Heavy Metal-virtues at times of their "Moral Alliance"-demo will be disappointed again - those days are definitely gone for the band. But gone are also the days of "instrumental evidence of how fantastic you can play and forget about the songs themselves". I'm talking about the debut "Behind".
The third album is more similar again to the "Timeshift"-demo, meaning the songs are very demanding (some would use the word "progressive") and also DREAM THEATER-fans should listen to the CD. There are no frills. The songs are also something neat to listen to for the "fans of average music" who get bent about the word "progressive" (Like me!) So let's call them "demanding".
For example take the song "Reflections", starting with acoustic guitars, keyboards in the background (discreet but impressive), then the ardent singing, the clipped riffs. A dramatic composition, simply incredible! Plus, there is a song that sounds a bit oriental - I adore it! The keyboard is dominating in the sound of all SUPERIOR-songs. Although it always stays in the background it is essential. Listen to the song "Reach For Reign". Clipped riffs à la old ANNIHILATOR meet a chorus that carries you away. Or the ballad "Fallen" - piano part, male voice, female voice (Lisa Mosiniki has sung on "Fly" by CREMATORY) - a great composition! Or the brutal "Terror Fantasy", made something special by hectic keyboards and thrilling choruses!
No matter which song you choose, every single one is a master-stroke. Besides the unusual length (without fillers) there is also the unbelievable production of Robert Kohlmeyer who I'm regarding as insider-tip. Folks, if you liked "Beyond Daylight" by VANDEN PLAS (also from Kaiserslautern) then you have to grab this one, too. Probably both mentioned bands will be celebrated in France again like they were gods and the rest of the world won't be interested at all. It is really amazing which status SUPERIOR & VANDEN PLAS have in the land of the baguettes.
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