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This Swiss band didn't make it easy for them. Their metal consists of many breaks, tempo changes and riff follows riff. They add some mathematical parts and use harsh vocals in combination with clean ones. The musical influences are a mix of progressive death, thrash and power metal with melodic clean parts and a clean singing style that somewhat remembers me of the grunge period. The harsh/grunting vocals are very understandable but miss a little power. The clean ones are o.k., but not above average.

The songs on the album are not easy to put your finger on and it takes some time to figure them out and enjoying them. With the variety in styles and tempo changes it isn't easy to write songs that really stick out and are good enough to keep the listener focused from start to finish. Taste of Tears didn't write bad songs, but in general they are average and the song writing still has to improve in the future. I find the opening track "Ames Room" the best track and perhaps that is why I get a little less excited after that song. Those of you, who know their 2007 promo-CD, will recognize three of the eight tracks; "Architects of Downfall", "A Great Paradox" and "Timeframe", which were the 3 tracks on that promo. Another thing they could have skipped is the trumpet part in "Profound Rain"; I have no idea why they added this.

If you like rather complex progressive music with lots of variety, different styles and mathematical parts you should check this band out for certain. You can decide for yourself if you like the combination of the clean vocals with the more harsh ones that this band produces. I am not convinced...... yet. But who knows after a few more spins?

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