3.0 out of 5 stars
"Virtuocity" is the evolution of "Kenziner", Feb 11 2008
By Nikiforos V. Skoumas - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Secret Visions (Audio CD)
In 1998 a Finnish-American combination emerged by the name of "Kenziner". A very promising outfit at the time, "Kenziner" elevated the vision of guitar player Jarno Keskinen who effectively attempted to take all known axioms of neoclassical metal and place them into progressive metal surroundings. The band also featured the incomparable performances of American singer Stephen Frederick.
After two albums the band disbanded, Keskinen changed his name to Jaron Sebastian Raven and put together "Virtuocity" in 2001, a totally Finnish band but just the same sound wise to "Kenziner". If you have heard Jaron's music before you can be sure what to expect; the truth and the matter is that when one decides to specialize music ("progressive neoclassical metal" in this case) creative borders become extremely narrow while repetition is, after a certain point, inevitable. "Virtuocity" is unfortunately no exception; you get nothing new from Jarno here, riffs, melodies and drum patterns are very familiar to his previous works while vocalist P.J. Goodman fails to deliver the power, atmosphere and overall originality of Stephen Frederick.
If all you need is more of the same, then consider this as a five out of five. Still if you expect the band's creative levels to have risen to new territories then "Virtuocity" will fall short to your expectations.
5.0 out of 5 stars
!!! EXCELLENT MELODIC POWER METAL FROM VIKINGLAND !!!, July 17 2006
By erkozon - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Secret Visions (Audio CD)
Excellent Power Metal from Vikingland!!!KILLER VOICE AND SPEED!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ALL METAL FANS !!!