How important is it to have a good vocalist in the band? If you want to sound like Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery with a 70's Hard Rock touch, probably it's the most important thing. Empty Tremor rose from the ashes of "Noise Pollution", and began their crusade to the vast lands of progressive Metal with their first demo "Apocolokyntosys". Since then, they have witness a variety of changes in their line up and the birth of one more demo and two really good albums, which made their name known to the progressive Metal fans in and outside Italy.

The big step towards the creation of their latest album "The Alien Inside" came when Empty Tremor added to their ranks an amazing vocalist that hails to the name Oliver Hartman. The band's weakest link was always the vocalist and Oliver's presence not only managed to strengthen it but also to add the character that the band needed in order to create such a demanding album like "The Alien Inside".

I only have good things to say about this album. It combines beautifully written melodic songs like "I Found You", "Don't Stop Me" and "A New World", with long progressive hymns like "Who You Really Are" and the amazing Dream Theater-influenced "The Alien Inside".

Oliver's voice will remind you of that of the "Troubadour of Love" - David Coverdale in the sweet acoustic ballad called "Stay", and the eight-track album finishes with the equally melodic sound of "The Alien Outside".

I really hope that "The Alien Inside" will become the album that will help the band make the big step towards international recognition. I really cannot see any reason why it shouldn't happen. The Italian sextet has all that it takes - good luck guys!

****

Review by John Stefanis

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly