Vox Tempus - Promo 2004


Year of Release: 2004
Label: n/a
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 21:38:00

I usually make it a policy not to review promos and demos, but this disc I received deserves all the praise it will get here and elsewhere. I came in contact with these guys when they contacted the website and requested to submit their promo. Being the new guy, I decided to jump on it and try something new not knowing anything about the band. Suffice it to say this was a HUGE surprise and a complete pleasure to listen to. Any fan of melodic and progressive rock/metal will find this to be engrossing and full of musical depth.

This disc starts off right away with guitars in your face and keyboard accompaniment that immediately reminds you of Dream Theater. This is in no way a copy or clone, just reminiscent. Already I'm thinking this is going to be good. Then the singer begins. Taking me back to my first exposure to progressive rock, Dan Reed's voice cuts through the crunchy guitars with a pure and crystal clear voice that defines the band's musical concept. It's not often you hear a band where each member blends perfectly and becomes the model of cohesion, but this is definitely one of those moments. I was left stunned at the pureness of the music, and this is only halfway through the first song.

The remaining two songs are continuations of the same level of melody and class. There are many levels to the music and some slower, piano driven interludes on the last tunes that only hint at what's coming later this year. The production is as good as an independent release can sound with every instrument coming through perfectly. They added an additional touch of class by enlisting drum legend Gregg Bissonette.

I want to save the rest of my review for the full release later this summer. The bottom line here is this is a slice of pure melodic metal with roots firmly entrenched in the keyboard driven greats like Dream Theater and my all time favorite, Styx. If the remaining songs on their upcoming album, In The Eye Of Time, are in any way as good as these three tunes, then we may be looking at THE melodic and progressive release of the year. I can't recommend this higher.

Similar bands: Dream Theater, Styx

[This review originally appeared June 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
For Every Live / Revelations / What About

Musicians:


Discography:
Vox Tempus (demo ep) In The Eye Of Time (2004/2006)

Genre: Melodic Metal

Origin US

Added: November 27th 2004
Reviewer: Scott Pierce

Artist website: www.vox-tempus.com
Hits: 2338
Language: english

  

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