Inner Flame - Inner Flame

Year of Release: 1998
Label: ProgressiveRock Worldwide
Catalog Number: PRW 039
Format: CD
Total Time: 51:16:00

With a voice which you could call a "symphonic Marc Almond," it is difficult to inform our prog loving audience about the existence of this band from Brazil, Inner Flame. In a previous life they were known as Nihil and although it has been said that their music contained a decent amount of influences from Italian bands such as Banco, Dalton and Balletto di Bronzo, I can't help thinking I'm listening to a third rate prog metal outfit. At least that was my impression after hearing the album's opening track "March Of Introspection."

With the following song "It's So Late," things already sound much better, although the drumming really isn't what one would expect to hear because it's too predictable. During the entire album all of the drumming will sound too weak, totally unsuited for this kind of material. In "Dark Mask," Alexander Guazzelli's voice leans in the direction of Journey's Steve Perry. During "King" a flute is added, which automatically steers the music more and more into our direction. Also "Pictures From The Past" is a much better song (even if it ends in pure AOR tradition), yet I think the band should listen to their own album a couple of times and then make their own conclusion before they set out to record a follow-up.

Tracklisting:
March Of Introspection (8:53) / It's So Late (3:59) / Dark Mask (9:44) / Black Clouds Over The Vatican (5:48) / Carry On (4:52) / King (4:55) / Pictures From The Past (7:24) / The Politician (5:19)

Musicians:
Fernando Makdissi - electric guitar
Otavio Ortega - keyboards
Alexander Guazzelli - vocals
Fernando Sporques - electric and acoustic guitars
Ricardo Fiorini - bass
Fabio Makdissi - drums

Discography:
Inner Flame (1998)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin BR

Added: February 1st 2000
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Hits: 2993
Language: english