This Swedish band play a hard straight prog metal with melodic elements.

After a brief and very noisy intro, we get 'All Eyes On Me', fluctuating between heavy and melodic. At times the twin guitars crunch out a solid harsh rhythm with intricate guitar and keyboard weaving, and slower parts where the guitar and keyboards wander without the rhythm. At nearly 9 minutes it’s progtastic.

When the twin guitar and keyboards all go together, it is crunchy and rough, with the solos over the top kept smooth. When the music is played simpler there are touches of Rush. The biog throws in Symphony X and Dream Theater. I would have to add Saga to that too.

'Again' is an enjoyable track; the keyboards move from playing long chords to riffs and back, with the odd solo thrown in, and the guitars come and go changing the pace well. The Maiden like guitar weaving with similar keyboards is a good feel.

Prog/melodic metal fans will love this.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

The Play II
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