Vox Tempus - In The Eye Of Time

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Progman Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 57:26:00

In the turbulent sea of progressive metal, we find numerous Dream Theater wannabees, that really do not add anything more to the genre or to the music. Yet there still are bands out there who have more to offer than being a copy of another "known" band. Unfortunately, due to the aforementioned reason, it is very hard for these bands to get, for example, a record deal. But, the real talent is spotted and gets a chance.

So brings Progman Records (a one man label) us the debut album of Vox Tempus, In The Eye Of Time. This band comes forth from the band Equinox Opus, where guitarist Ray Mantor, bassist Jim Turba and later also keyboardist Eric Ragno played. Early 2004 they released a demo with three songs, also featured on their debut, and this demo brought the band great reviews. Thanks to the efforts of Progman Records they now have delivered a full length album.

The aforementioned musicians found in Dan Reed the perfect singer for their melodic metal. Reed's vocals are mainly in the mid to high regions, and he reaches all notes effortlessly and never misses one. The band does not have a drummer, but for this album they got help from none other than Greg Bissonette! Good, I'd say, sign the guy for this band, because his drumming on this album is nothing less than perfect. The mix is also very good, as the drums do not dominate, but together with bassist Turba forms a solid rhythm section that fits in perfectly with the whole of the music.

The keyboard play of Eric Ragno is like sauce on a juicy piece of meat: Delicious, but not predominating, yet played with passion. Of course we may not pass by Ray Mantor, since his guitar parts are played so fantastic you just can't get enough of them. Still I get the feeling the band plays a bit restrained and never lets go of the reins, although songs like "For Every Life," "Escape" and "Voice Of Time" show some great prog metal, especially on the latter where the guitar play of Mantor stands out greatly.

The album also contains some beautiful ballads: "Broken" and "Steal The Moment," where both the vocals by Reed and the keys by Ragno sound magnificent. Often prog metal albums have an obligatory ballad, but these songs don't sound obligatory! They are played with much passion.

The music on the album falls in the category progressive metal (although that still is very subjective), but in no manner the band feels like a clone or wannabee; on the contrary, the band brings their own vision on music and so far I like this vision very much.

A highlight is found in "Love, Lies And Treason," an epic of almost 15 minutes! This song could be seen as the band's calling card, as everything Vox Tempus stands for is found in this song: strong melodies, a good singer, a perfectly playing band that can compose great songs. And then the drums by Bissonette! The song slightly reminds me of the Dutch band Ricocher, both vocally and musically.

In The Eye Of Time is a very strong album, filled with passion and love for the music. Although the music isn't entirely original, they have a good sound of their own and keep their distance from the "known" bands. A band with a lot of potential, of which we (hopefully) will hear lots more. But with In The Eye Of Time, as far as I'm concerned, they have delivered a very good debut album.

Tracklisting:
For Every Life / Escape / Broken / Foreshadows / Revelations / What About / Voice Of Time / Love, Lies and Treason / Steal The Moment

Musicians:
Ray Mantor - guitars
Eric Ragno - keyboards
Dan Reed - vocals
Jim Turba - bass
Gregg Bissonette - drums

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

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin US

Added: January 17th 2005
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.vox-tempus.com
Hits: 2364
Language: english