TIME REQUIEM -

TIME REQUIEM - OPTICAL ILLUSION - REGAIN  
Time Requiem is a pomp prog release with some very distinct influences. The band, which is formed around the only enduring member keyboardist Richard Andersson, is made up of various well-known hard rock and progressive rock characters out of Sweden. The majority of the songs show a clear Dream Theater or Yngwie Malmsteen influence, especially in the structure and keyboard solos, while traditional hard rock riffs are also present. Miracle Man, for instance, begins with a straightforward hard rock riff, while Ocean Wings is a series of solo explosions built on top of a trademark Saga song. The band’s greatest asset is the mid to high range of vocalist Göran Edman who is known from his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, as well as the fabulous guitar solos that come at you from every possible side. Guitarist Magnus Nilsson needs a larger profile amongst guitar fans. Sphere of Fantasy and The Ashen Soul are perfect tracks for lovers of Yngwie school of neo-Classical metal, but the album overall will perfectly satiate the needs of all instrumental solo lovers. - Anna Tergel