In the Eye of Time [Import]

I don't understand some of the comparisons to other bands such as Fates Warning, Queensryche and Rush as they sound nothing like them and have very little in common. I find this disc to be the perfect blend two unmentioned bands, Dream Theater and Styx. They are able to combine a modern, progressive sound through crunchy guitar and spacey keyboard passages while maintaining a theatrical approach, bordering on the grandoise. There is not a song on this disc that doesn't spell out class. With the emphasis on the song as opposed to prog wankery, In the Eye of Time shows a level of song-writing maturity that it often takes many of our favorite bands several albums to master. This is a melodic and progressive masterpiece for ANY fan of prog rock/metal. This is the best album for me in 2004 and perhaps the last few years.

Here is a band formed of former members of great bands. Takara keyboardist Eric Ragno joined Equinox guitarist Ray Mantor and bassist Jim Turba, eventually finding their vocalist Dan Reed and enlisting the services of great drummer Gregg Bissonette of DLR, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani fame. Bissonette only contributes to the album as a guest though, but he does play all the drums on this record.

In the Eye of Time is a great debut from independent band Vox Tempus. I first heard about them when they appeared at the ProgPower USA opening slot and garnered many positive reviews. While the band calls their music Progressive Metal, I would more classify it as melodic metal with some interesting prog touches. Throughout the whole album, melody is not sacrificed even once, be it for heaviness or pyrotechnics. This band writes their songs with control, definition and purpose. Not a single excessive riff to be found here, even though each musician is definitely competent when it comes to their instruments. Guitarist Ray Mantor who wrote most of the music also mixed and produced this record and the first thing that stands out here is the excellent production. There's clarity and depth in the mix with a very warm sound, especially in keyboardist Eric Ragno's playing. Ragno plays tasteful keyboard licks and textures and his sound oozez warmth throughout.

Vocalist Dan Reed is often compared to Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung, but I also hear a good dose of Dwight Hill (Divine Reglale) in his phrasing. He has a very powerful voice which he exhibits in some high screams without sounding the least bit screechy. Jim Turba on bass is great in some songs, such as the opening track "For Every Life" written in memory of the late Great White guitarist, Ty Longley, who tragically died in the Rhode Island nightclub a few years ago. The staccato bass on "Revelations" is also great, but on the whole, Turba's bass playing seems to take the role of rhythm guitars comsummating Mantor's lead guitar work. I think the best bass is on the second instrumental, "Voice of Time", because it functions separately without detracting from the tune.

I feel Eric Ragno's inclusion on this record is a very fundamental step since it's his playing that glues every instrument together without dominating them. His layered playing on "Revelations" and duel with the fantastic guitar solo (no showing off here -- it's a solo that will send shivers down your spine!) will leave you shuddering in awe. Everyone mentions Dream Theater as a reference point; I love DT with a passion, but I don't really see the comparisons. This is more like Divine Regale, Ice Age, Styx and Queensryche's "Eyes of a Stranger" in the vocal melodies of "What About". Melody is at the forefront and there is something for everyone here. Melodic metal fans are going to be blown away by "For Every Life", if not the entire disc, prog metallers will rejoice in the 14-minute epic, "Love, Lies, and Treason" or the intricate instrumentals, "Beginnings" and "Voice of Time" (great drum solo by Gregg Bissonette in the latter). There's even something for fans of AOR here; just give a listen to the piano-driven ballads, "Broken" or "Steal the Moment". The CD, though an independent release, has a nice cover art that matches the dark elements of the music, contains a booklet with band pictures, lyrics and songcredits. Recommended to everyone who likes melodic, tasteful playing with a great singer.

One word that should not be used in conjunction with this album is 'Metal' - this is definitely not a Metal album, progressive, melodic or otherwise. But melodic it definitely is with every song showing maturity way beyond the fact this is a debut album. The emphasis is placed squarely on Reed's voice which is exceptional, incredible range and tone with never a second of weakness. The most obvious parallel is with Styx's Dennis DeYoung which is where the band get their Styx comparisons. But musically they are much better grouped with Cairo, Dream Theater's first album or perhaps keyboard oriented Yes spin-offs like GTR. With hardly a riff in sight most of the time the instrumentation is used to create the backdrop for Reed's vocal performance, the exception being the instrumental 'Voice Of Time' where the other members of the band are let off the leesh. Outstanding performance throughout from drummer Gregg Bissonette who is unfortunately just a stand-in for this album. Generally, this album lives or dies on Reed's voice. If Dennis DeYoung singing seven minute melodic prog anthems sounds good to you then you'll love this album. If you hanker for heavy riffs and extensive guitar shredding - look elsewhere.