AEON ZEN : THE FACE OF THE UNKNOWN 91/2 10
Friday, 03 September 2010
AEON ZEN : THE FACE OF THE UNKNOWN 9 1/2 10
I think I can safely say that the new "AEON ZEN" album has been much anticipated after the brilliant debut "A Minds portrait" was so well received. Rich Hinks is seriously one talented dude playing all instruments and singing as well.With guest vocalists from well known prog acts from around the world.The album has a mix of some heavy virtuosic prog as well as some softer moments.I hope Rich sticks to this formula of getting guest vocalists as I think it really gives the listener something different with each album.
On board this time is Michael Erikson "CIRCUS MAXIMUS", Jem Godfrey "FROST", Nick.D.Virgilio "SPOCKS BEARD", Jonny Tatem "EUMERIA" , as well as Andi Kravljaca "SILENT CALL" - who also apeared on the debut. Some of the styles are reminiscent of "MINDS EYE" and "SEVENTH WONDER" I can't fault any of the songs on this album, but three songs particularly stand out."Salvation" being my favourite and probably the heaviest track on the cd with some great chunky guitarwork and Michael Erikson's brilliant vocals. I am also a huge "FROST" fan and so the song "Natural Selection" was never going to disappoint. The track "Redemption's shadow" finishes off where the album started - heavy and with great guitar work from Rich.
To compare this album to the debut isn't easy because it was always going to be a hard act to follow but I think "The Face Of The Unknown" is every bit as good as" A Minds Portrait" Production by Rich Hinks is first class, as prog metal albums should be and Mattias Noren has excelled in yet another great album cover. In what has already been a wonderful year for prog releases, this CD needs to be added to that list and should be added to yours as well.
MARK BASTON
Release date...October 12, 2010
THE FACE OF THE UNKNOWN track listing
1: Salvation (vocals: Michael Erikson (Circus Maximus))
2: Visions (vocals: Andi Kravljaca (Silent Call))
3: The Heart Of The Sun (vocals: Michael Erikson)
4:Crystal Skies (vocals,Nick De Virgilo
5: Natural Selection (vocals: Jem Godfrey (Frost)
6: The Face of the Unknown (vocals:Andi Kravljaca))
7: You're Not Alone (vocals: Rich Hinks (Aeon Zen))8: My Sacrifice (vocals: Rich Hinks & Jonny Tatum (Eumeria))
9: Start Over (vocals: Rich Hinks) 10: Redemtion's Shadow (vocals: Jonny Tatum)website: http://www.aeonzen.com/fr_aeonzen.cfm
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