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Keyboard whiz Richard Andersson
returns with the second Time Requiem album - The Inner Circle
Of Reality. The bands debut from 2002 was a superb slice of
progressive neo-classical metal with a strong Malmsteen overtone
to it. The Inner Circle Of Reality sees the Malmsteen-esque
sound being replaced by a sound more inline with the likes of
Symphony X or Adagio (of whom Andersson contributed solos for
Sanctus Ignis). This is however much more keyboard led than
either Symphony X or Adagio and this is what keeps Time Requiem
original in a highly competitive genre.
The band has seen a couple of personnel changes with bassist
Jonas Reingold and Zoltan Csörsz in the drummers seat.
The album was recorded and mixed by Reingold and Andersson and
the sonic results are very powerful.
Opener Reflections is sure to please
all fans of Symphony X thanks its intricate riffing and powerful
vocals courtesy of Apollo Papathansio (a cross between Jorn
Lande and Russell Allen), this is a very intense track that
just begs to be cranked up.
Title track The Inner Circle Of Reality
is an epic in every sense, clocking in at over 11 minutes it
takes you through a myriad of levels thanks to its very progressive
nature. The verse is quite superb with a very classy melody
line and this gives added weight to the package. The track has
a slight neo-classical feel in places which is sure to make
fans of the bands debut feel right at home. At around the six
minute mark Richard Andersson takes us back to 70's Prog with
a keyboard solo that is quite Rick Wakeman. This then moves
into territory similar to that of U.K. with some greet Mini
Moog-esque sounds being used before guitarist Magnus Nordh comes
in with a smooth legato filled solo. This causes Andersson to
up his chops and we are flying high! The track then leads back
into another verse and chorus and the track comes full circle.
Dreams Of Tomorrow starts with
a dark mystical quality with harpsichords, horns and cymbal
crashes, close to Adagio, a dark nature lends itself to Apollo
Papathansio delivering a very classy vocal. The track has a
superb chorus, which sees a great musical progression underneath.
The track is a bit more guitar led than the other numbers and
this helps make the riff stand out. The solo sections see some
blazing duels from Nordh and Andersson. Andersson's solo here
being positively blinding.
The trademark Time Requiem sound leads us into Attar
Of Roses. This track has a very majestic quality to it
(in both sound and reference to Majestic - Andersson's previous
band). The neo-classical overtones are here in spades and make
you realise just what a special partnership Richard Andersson
and Yngwie Malmsteen could have if they ever get around to hooking
up! The solo section sees all manner of classical inflections
from Andersson and makes you realise why he is at the top of
the metal keyboard player rostrum. But it's the strength of
the verse that really makes the track quite superb.
Definition Of Insanity begins with
keyboards and drums setting a heavy prog setting. This transcends
into a progression that fans of Dream Theater will appreciate
right away. The track is up-tempo but is the most mainstream
sounding track on the album - catchy metal with progressive
overtones.
Quest Of A Million Souls sees Andersson
lay down some sublime keyboard solos. What sets this guy apart
from a lot of metal crowd is his ability to add a very human
lyrical quality to his work. This is achieved by making great
use of the pitch wheel and sounds that although familiar seem
warmer than the average synth tone. The almost ballad nature
of the track does offer some rest from the frantic work found
elsewhere, but the classical influences again rear there head
on the chorus chord progression.
Hidden Memories you just know is
gonna be killer from as soon as the initial keyboard pattern
rings out. I hear shades of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells here
as well as a little Images & Words era Dream Theater in
the intro. This is thrown out the window for the relatively
simple verses and a chorus that manages to combine frantic double
bass drum work with a simple vocal melody line. Then a variation
on the intro comes back and you realise how well the blend works.
Andersson's keyboard solo really hits all the right notes, with
an almost Malmsteen feel to the way he can extend passages and
yet maintain the interest of the listener.
A short instrumental piece between Andersson and bassist Jonas
Reingold for Bach Prelude Variations.
Short, classic, and a nice way to end the album.
With The Inner Circle Of Reality, Time Requiem has managed to
add another extremely strong album to their discography. I probably
prefer the bands' debut a little more due to the slightly more
neo-classical nature of it, but there is a lot to absorb and
enjoy on this release. The band are obviously maturing and honing
their sound to something that Richard Andersson's ideal vision
represents and it's a ride that is a very rewarding one. |
