Hailing from Holland, Sun Caged seem to be creating
somewhat of a stir on the progressive metal scene without
having actually released any official product as yet - this
is their debut. This has not stopped them however from landing
some pretty prestigious support slots - most notably with
Queensrÿche. The band have also managed to secure the
mixing talents of Arjen Luccasen (of Star One and Ayreon fame)
and this album sounds stunning.
Sun Caged are in the same vein as Awake era Dream
Theater with hints of other acts like Faith No More (mostly
in the vocals of Andre Vuurboom), Meshuggah (mainly in some
of the 7 string riffage) and Pain Of Salvation (a dark vibe
in a few places). Rest assured that these guys have their
own sound and that sound is darn classy. The band is composed
of the aforementioned Vuurboom on vocals, Marcel Coenen on
guitar duties, Joost Van Den Broek on keyboards, and Rob Van
Der Loo (bass) forming the rhythm section with Dennis Leeflang
(drums). All musicians are extremely talented highlighted
on every track here.
Opener Sedation
is one of the most melodic heavy offerings yet there is still
some frightening riffery going on. Carried along by some strong
keyboard work the track is also home to an instrumental section
which will give you a glimpse of things to come elsewhere.
Sun Caged begins
with a low 7 string chordal riff before guitar and keyboard
harmonise over an eerie melody. This leads way to an almost
DT 'Lie' type riff before heading into a Faith No More sound
on the verse (mostly in the vocals). The chorus sees a strong
circling vocal line that builds and highlights the vocal abilities
of Vuurboom. The track then breaks down for a restraint passage
which then goes back into the main bulk of the track - impressive
stuff.
Home opens with delicate
acoustic guitar and vocals that really breathe. This is backed
up by almost sci-fi keyboard atmospheric effects and its pretty
mesmerising. 2:30 in its kicks into life for some more Awake
era DT sounds, this is by no means a rip off, its just the
best way to describe the sound. Despite the more simplistic
nature of the track there is a lot going on. Nice changing
of time signatures before going into another restraint texture.
This then leads into another very cool riff that goes through
all manner of transitions before heading back into the classy
chorus.
Soil is a fast punishing
track that has quite a quirky riff, not a million miles from
something like System Of A Down, but with much better vocals
and delivery. The chorus is pure magic, slowing things down
and its got a really strong melody, before launching into
the killer riff for the verse. Guitarist Marcel Coenen proved
he has the chops on his Guitar Talk album, but this album
is testament to the fact he has a array of killer riffs and
songs under his belt.
Hollow starts with
a nice piano motif before crashing in with a quite melodic
verse, over a heavy framework. Great lyrics too - Whispered
like a breeze, mute the sound relieves my pain. Midst the
machine. Feed upon his stain... The vocals are again
good, yet the chorus that is the real star of the track with
a great vocal. The track then builds further before a superb
doubled guitar/keyboard solo that leads back into the chorus
- great stuff.
Closing In sees a
darker vibe enter the picture and this is where the Pain Of
Salvation reference mentioned earlier rears its head. The
track is again home to a very strong riff with the keys providing
great support to the main riff. The track cools off for the
verse which sees some very nice chords from Coenen. The track
has a pretty classic arrangement and its quality shines through
every pore of the track.
The Eighth Day is
home to more seven string rifferey in an odd time signature.
Vuurboom manages to throw up a very strong melody line over
this, which is not an easy thing to do, yet it all sound so
natural it easy to overlook the skill needed to do this. Overall
the track has quite a dark brooding vibe that does lighten
up for the chorus and its this use of light and shade that
oozes yet more class.
A killer riff sets Secrets
Of Flight on its path. Very aggressive stuff that leads
into a very quirky keyboard pattern before leading into a
cool solo over yet another riff - I counted 4 in the first
50 seconds! This is one heavy track yet retains a melodic
appeal that adds another element to the sound. This is one
of the longest tracks on the album clocking in at 9 minutes
yet there is so much happening the time just flies by.
Unchanging sees the
album out with a more ethereal vibe. Some delicate piano work
starts the piece which is augmented by some brewing thunder
storm sound effects. This then leads into a very melodic verse
that reminds me a little of Marillion. Coenen lays down a
nice very melodic almost jazzy part that leads into the second
verse. After the sonic onslaught of the previous track; Unchanging
allows a moment for reflection. Fans of Dream Theater's more
melodic moments will find a lot to like here, its just goes
to highlight the band can write material that would appeal
to any mainstream music fan too. Special mention goes to Coenen
for a sublime solo that is very melodic and emotionally, yet
still finds room for moments of guitar flash. Stunning and
a superb way to end the album.
Sun Caged have delivered one of the best debut
albums I have heard in eons. Every track has something to
offer, the musicianship is incredibly high yet never takes
priority to the song. There are numerous styles on show, yet
it all has the Sun Caged stamp that tells you this is one
the best new bands that has appeared in the last few years.
The band on the basis of this album deserve to be huge.
