Nemesis - Eden?
2002 - Sensory
By Mark Bridgeman
A mix of progressive intricary and power metal hooks makes Eden? and interesting, and palatable, LP. Formed in Hungary in 1997, this is NEMESIS' third album and one that will hopefully do them well - it's a solid release, and although it won't break open the worldwide doors of metal stardom (and to be honest, few albums will), it should at least help raise their profile and gain them some respect.
Vocalist Zoltan Kiss is not the cleanest vocalist in the world - compared to some, he actually sounds technically pedestrian. But the first track, "Reality's Door", shows he has a gift for delivering vocal hooks, and if you like catchy choruses in your progpower, this is for you. Layered guitars with subtle keyboard overtones, rhthyms that aren't overly-complex, and a general feeling of pleasing technicality.
The second track is a slight letdown, and almost has it sounding like the band has a one-dimensional sound, so close is it to the previous track - and being nothing special doesn't help. However, "Four Mirrors", a half-acoustic piece with fine use of atmospheric keys, saves the day. Catchy chorus, perfectly played by all members, it's definitely one of the standout tracks on the album.
The title tracks is a fine beast, although not particularly ground-breaking. "Faith", the album's instrumental, is a beautiful VAI/SATRIANI-inspired excercise in melody and composition. Zolton Fabian, NEMESIS' guitarist, excels here - you'd be mistaken for thinking the track was played by one of the forementioned guitar 'gurus'. The album is worth hearing if only for this track, particularly if you're an instrumental lover.
The album closes with a three-part track titled "Eternal Circle", a collection of intricately progressive songs on one hand, and solid rockers on the other, that capsulate NEMESIS perfectly - a progressive band that are also accessable.
Eden? is a prog album that people who don't like prog can enjoy without having to worry about too much musical wankery.
2002 - Sensory
By Mark Bridgeman
A mix of progressive intricary and power metal hooks makes Eden? and interesting, and palatable, LP. Formed in Hungary in 1997, this is NEMESIS' third album and one that will hopefully do them well - it's a solid release, and although it won't break open the worldwide doors of metal stardom (and to be honest, few albums will), it should at least help raise their profile and gain them some respect.
Vocalist Zoltan Kiss is not the cleanest vocalist in the world - compared to some, he actually sounds technically pedestrian. But the first track, "Reality's Door", shows he has a gift for delivering vocal hooks, and if you like catchy choruses in your progpower, this is for you. Layered guitars with subtle keyboard overtones, rhthyms that aren't overly-complex, and a general feeling of pleasing technicality.
The second track is a slight letdown, and almost has it sounding like the band has a one-dimensional sound, so close is it to the previous track - and being nothing special doesn't help. However, "Four Mirrors", a half-acoustic piece with fine use of atmospheric keys, saves the day. Catchy chorus, perfectly played by all members, it's definitely one of the standout tracks on the album.
The title tracks is a fine beast, although not particularly ground-breaking. "Faith", the album's instrumental, is a beautiful VAI/SATRIANI-inspired excercise in melody and composition. Zolton Fabian, NEMESIS' guitarist, excels here - you'd be mistaken for thinking the track was played by one of the forementioned guitar 'gurus'. The album is worth hearing if only for this track, particularly if you're an instrumental lover.
The album closes with a three-part track titled "Eternal Circle", a collection of intricately progressive songs on one hand, and solid rockers on the other, that capsulate NEMESIS perfectly - a progressive band that are also accessable.
Eden? is a prog album that people who don't like prog can enjoy without having to worry about too much musical wankery.
