For once the description from the info sheet is very precise:
'best described
as a mixture of Symphony X, Vanden Plas, early Dream Theater and Queen crossed
with some AOR touches', and that is exactly what Italian band Astra is
serving us on their debut album.
The brew is
well-known, the formula is proven and the outcome is predicable, but somehow
they still manage to be somewhat exciting mostly due to their musical skills. But to really win me over, and to
grow they need to stand on their own feet and find an identity of their own...
Their debut
album is acceptable but a bit faceless, without being utter crap. The technical level is high
and the deliverance and production is fine, so the overall impression is at an
acceptable level, but this album will not raise many eyebrows in today's
cut-throat fierce competition.
To get
respected and noticed you need to bring some kind of originality, a category
Astra completely fails in on 'From Within'. They are skilled and talented
and the foundation is in place for things to come, and if you can see past the
unoriginality you will find a fine album.
