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Cloudscape are perhaps the Melodic Prog metal world's
best kept secret. Either that or people have been living under
a rock for the past couple of years. After Producing two outstanding
studio albums which in their own right were brilliant bringing
a blend of catchy melodic metal with a few shots of Progressive
goodness, Global Drama improves upon them in every way. This
is a stunning and impressive album, with a bit of everything.
Mike Andersson's vocals get better and better and musically
the band have gone up a few levels. There is more Prog, some
nice heavier moments running alongside some excellent song
writing/lyrics.***
The album begins with the opening track, Mind Diary which
is very riff heavy. It gallops along at a quick pace, Possibly
the heaviest song on the CD, but its not without a dose of
fine keys adding some atmosphere. nice way to kick things
off. Great track! Which doesn't set the tone of the entire
album because it is so varied. Which is a good thing!***
The second track, Darkest Legacy begins with a nice keyboard
intro. Once again great guitar work from Patrik and Bjorn.
The keys are a welcome feature throughout the album, and really
set the mood in each song. Again, it is testament to Mike
who also handles the keyboard compositions, deserves great
praise for having in him this aspect in addition to his song
writing and vocal work which are also stellar. The great work
just keeps on coming, with Cloak and Daggers, Mike going in
story telling mode. This song has a sinister feel to it, and
is excellent, Slower and more deliberate pace, with a bit
of a chill running through it. Paid is Blood has a great mix
of prog and metal, with a very catchy riff. Then comes the
Silence within and one silent moment, there is no drop in
quality and solid musicianship. If you are expecting some
track fillers at this point, then don't, because there aren't
any! Then comes a couple of the more Prog oriented tracks
in One silent moment and Alagoas, which is a fantastic track
and one of the longest on the album, yet keeps your attention.
Alagoas is simply put, a beautiful song.***
Then its on to the anthemic and catchy, Static going
back into some great guitar work, fast and melodic. The same
can be said about the following track, Fragile. The longest
and most progressive track on the album, Eyes of Jealousy
is quite moody and intense, the band really show their improving
talents here putting together all kinds of neat moments. Ritual
of the blade is the next track, again some catchy stuff here,
and very melodic. The closing track Justice is a great song
to wrap up a near on perfect album full of everything that
made Cloudscape a fresh player in the prog metal scene. I
can't praise this album enough! go buy it NOW! for an album
with 12 songs, there is never a dull moment I assure you.
There is something here for most metal fans, even if you aren't
a fan of prog or melodic metal, still give this a listen!
it's a fresh and exciting sound, with lots of energy and super
fine musicianship by Cloudscape.***
One of the best releases of the year so far! Just stunning!***
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