Domain - The Sixth Dimension

Year of Release: 2003
Label: Point Music
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 61:39:00

Metal has become quite popular in the past years and there is a variety in kinds of metal. Bands like Edguy, Dionysus and Avantasia, have created a new kind of metal, which some tend to call "sing-along-metal." Domain is a band that fall into this category, but is not just a copycat. Domain's first album was released in 1986; however, after three albums they took a long break and it took them some 10 years to resurface. But they have made a successful comeback and now The Sixth Dimension is their ... sixth ... studio album, not counting the New Horizons EP, which was released in 2001 [and not including their first debut, as Kingdom, in 1987; their first album as Domain was released in 1988 (only guitarist Ritt remains from these first lineups) - PW ed.]

With this new album they have had a line-up change and Sandro Lo Guidice (bass, Circle of Pain) and Stefan Koellner (drums, ex-Symphorce) are now the rhythmic backbone of Domain. Erdmann Lange provides the keyboards that are not too obvious, but add just the extra touch to the songs. Vocalist Carsten Schulz reminds me a lot of Jon Bon Jovi, but a little more over the top and the crunchy guitar is handled by Axel Ritt. It is the guitar parts by Ritt and the vocals that attracted my attention. "Burning Red," "Warpath" and "Skylighter" are up-tempo songs with fantastic guitar work, the solo in "Warpath" has a Deep Purple / Ritchie Blackmore touch. The sing-a-long metal is very obvious in "King's Tear," a bit in the vein of Avantasia, and "One Perfect Moment" is a beautiful ballad, which should be played loud! Perfect song, everything you expect from a rock ballad: passionate vocals, compelling music and piano. I only missed the haunting guitar solo. My favourite song is "Burning Red," because of the extremely fast and powerful guitar solo and stunning vocals.

The overall sound of The Sixth Dimension is fast, powerful, yet melodic. The background vocals by Ritt and Lange add more atmosphere to the songs, and Schulz himself is an excellent vocalist, with a raw edge to his voice. "Last Exit Moon" has a double bass you will feel in your stomach and crystal clear keys. Bonus track "Rats In The Cellar" is the heaviest track on the album, with powerful and fast drums and similar guitars, and a crunchy solo that makes you want to hear more. Aerosmith eat your heart out! The added bonus clip is nice, as you can see the band in action, although I have the feeling the synchronization is not very good.

The Sixth Dimension is an album that caused me to crank up the volume! This is melodic power metal as it should be and this should only be played loud! Production, by Axel Ritt, is very good and the artwork also looks very cool. Excellent album that deserves to be in your CD player.

Similar Bands: Edguy, Dionysus

[This review originally appeared November 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
World Gone Crazy / Your Favourite Curse / King's Tears / One Perfect Moment / Burning Red / Warpath / Time Machine / Skylighter / Young Hearts Can Fly / Last Exit Moon / Talk To The Wind / Bonus Track: Rats In The Cellar / Bonus clip: Charade

Musicians:
Axel "Ironfinger" Ritt - guitar, backing vocals
Carsten "Lizard" Schulz - vocals
Erdmann Lange - keyboards
Sandro Lo Guidice - bass
Stefan Köllner - drums

Discography:
Kingdom - Lost In The City (1987)
Our Kingdom (1988)
Before The Storm (1989)
Crack In The Wall (1991)
Collection 1986-1992 (1992)
One Million Lightyears From Home (2001)
New Horizons (2001)
The Artefact (2002)
The Sixth Dimension (2003)
Last Days Of Utopia (2005)
The Essence Of Glory (2005)
Stardawn (2006)
The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow (2009)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin DE

Added: December 12th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.domainband.de
Hits: 2255
Language: english