Circus Maximus – “The First Chapter”
In general, bands on Sensory records are uncompromisingly prog and very talented. The particular case of Circus Maximus is no exception: very skilled metal musicianship. “Sin” opens: a rocking, pretty thrashy, shredding, midpaced number; pretty catchy; very traditional, melodic, talented, polished metal singing. What does that mean? You know, like Queensryche, Dream Theater, etc. “Alive” follows and it’s more of the above. “Glory of the Empire” has a mellow beginning and moves into a big, stadium rock feel; it’s midpaced and it’s over 10 minutes long. “Biosfear” then shows the band to be very proggy; it’s instrumental; it’s musical exhibitionism. “Silence from Angels above” is an 80s-rock type of sensitive ballad; the singing is as sweet as a cute little bunny (say what?). “Why Am I here” is a serious, guitar-driven song. By this point in the album, the band is eyeball-deep in prog metal territory; prog fans will be smiling like happy children at a candy store. The first part of the album has shorter, catchy songs to get you interested. The rest of the album has long and longer songs that are more for the prog fan than the “normal” heavy metal fan, but has a charm to keep the listener interested: anchored by melodic singing; it gives memorability to the prog. Good album.