Let's keep this simple: if you love technical and powerful
progressive metal then you need to experience Spheric Universe
Experience. 'Anima' is their sophomore release and I must admit
that this one surpasses even my wildest dreams - it has it all; from
the extremely technical parts, thru the fine emotional parts to fast
and furious pedal to the metal parts.
Like it's the case for most progressive metal bands these days they
have been looking over the shoulder of Dream Theater on more than
one occasion, but it's at no point a total rip-off. Spheric
Universe Experience possesses a solid portion of originality and
an identity of their own.
'Anima' is a very mature and convincing album, which might not sink
in straight ahead. The songs have depth and are all performed by 5
very gifted musicians, who surely know how to write and record
challenging music for us, the listeners.
The album sounds complete and all songs are small gems with a sound
that is fitting to their style. Guitarist Vince Benaim is the 'star'
of the quintet; his leads and riff-attacks on this album are
awesome, keyboard player Fred Colombo has a role equivalent to
Jordan Rudess' in Dream Theater and he shines in the same way, the
rhythm section is solid and lays down some serious rhythms for the
songs and vocalist Franck Garcia is sound and fits the music
perfectly.
Overall we are served a versatile and timeless palette of technical
progressive metal, which surely should make fans of Fates Warning,
Pain of Salvation and Dream Theater happy. Great album from a very
interesting up-coming band that surely deserves a little bit of your
attention if you are into this kind of music.
