What is generally considered to be Prog Metal isn’t really my thing, except if it’s done by professionals such as ADRAMELCH, SHADOW GALLERY or THRESHOLD, for example. Personally, I can do without all those DREAM THEATER/SYMPHONY X/VANDEN PLAS rip-offs. What is progressive about them anyway? I actually remember ADAGIO from France as being an act like that, too.

You have to admit that they really try hard not to sound too predictable on “Dominate”, though. They play more to the point and added some heaviness and even incorporated growls and bludgeoning parts. However, this doesn’t really fit to my mind, because I am missing the emotions. “R'lyeh The Dead“ comes across quite well and is able to convince me thanks to the really captivating and varied song structure, though. There’s something enjoyable about the simultaneous growling/tenor singing… “Dominate” is a neat song as well that combines dramatic art with technique and power. “Kissing The Crow” is a quite nice piano ballad.

But that’s it when it comes to highlights in my opinion. Unfortunately I cannot get into the musical hit “Fame” at all and I don’t think that something like this should be on a Metal record anyway. Bottom line, the album has its moments, but ultimately it’s just slightly above-average.

(Online November 1, 2006)