|
|
|
| 1. Zodiac Prolouge 2. Ares 3. Taurus 4. Gemini 5. Cancer 6. Leo 7. Virgo 8. Libra 9. Scorpio 10. Sagittarius 11. Capricorn 12. Aquarius 13. Pisces 14. Epilouge |
|
| Recent Releases from Eternity X The Edge (1996) Mind Games (1995) The Zodiac (1994) |
Related Albums (more progressive concept
albums): Shadow Gallery - Tyranny (1998) Ayreon - The Final Experiment (1996) |
| Upon first hearing about "Zodiac", right off the bat,
the most noticeable thing about the whole album, and probably its most attractive point,
is its concept. Why hasn't anyone done this before? Eternity X has created an album on the
basis of writing one song for each Astrological sign, plus a "prolouge" and
"epilouge" to give a better flowing and sensible feel to the album, instead of
just slapping the songs on the disc. It was this overall concept that made me interested
in the album in the first place. The idea itself is very nifty but do the songs hold up
and make this piece of work gel together? Fans of the band that "discovered" them with the release of the now almost cult classic progressive album, "The Edge", may be quite surprised at Eternity X's earlier work. The music is heavy edged progressive metal, sporting heaps of melody, all wrapped up in 12 easily accessible installments of 3-4 minute commercial flavored tunes, each one dealing with a certain Astrological sign. Then there are the two other songs, one to begin, and one to end, to make the whole concept make sense. Each song flows into the other so the beginning few seconds of each tune exists on the tail end of the one before it. Its another little feature they tossed in to allow the album to flow as one, and is meant to be listened to in its entirety. However, unlike most concept type albums, it is easy to pick up and listen to a few choice cuts without having to immerse yourself into the entire experience that is "Zodiac". Eternity X has tempered somewhat of a unique sound, mixing bits of Dream Theater, early Elegy, some Iron Maiden on a track or two, and a pinch of hard rock influence. The biting, sharp axework stretches the higher range and interacts well with the heavy bass and clear pounding drums. Speaking of higher range, Keith Sudano's vocals may leave a bit to be desired for some people. He naturally has a higher type voice, and although its strong, has also been declared as being "whiney". I had problems warming up to his voice to begin with but it fits very well with the music, and is quite unique. He sounds superb on a few choice tracks and competant on the rest, overall he is fairly good, although not on a par with some of the power/prog vocalists currently belting out for their particular bands. The vocal harmonies and strong melodies give each track even more depth and expands upon the straightforward progressive feel. The clever lyrics are definitely a highlight. Each song paints a very flattering picture of whoever is born under that particular sign, while seamlessly slipping in little nods that refer to the sign or that period of the year. Sharply written, the lyrics are one of the key points that hold this album firmly in one piece. |
| 1. Zodiac Prolouge - 1:52 -
Spoken words about the key that lies within us all, some sung vocals and lots of haunting
keyboards providing a background for some slow dramatic drumwork... 2. Aries - 2:56 - this song reminds me the most of Iron Maiden than any other one on the disc. Lightning guitar and strong vocals make up a more aggressive type song that speaks of the lord of war and killings, whom is of course. the "leader of the Zodiac", the celestial ram. 3. Taurus - 3:05 - Taking more of a pop progressive direction, Taurus boasts an addictive chorus full of those already mentioned vocal harmonies. Nice bass work supports this overall bouncy and energetic little tune. The tale of the dependable lover, Taurus. Short but very sweet. 4. Gemini - 3:24 - One mind split in two. Featuring another winner of a chorus, this time, its slower and twists around itself with a cushy vocal performance. This song would have been well equipped for radio airplay. The only drawback is the fact the chorus is repeated just a few too many times even for a song that suffers from lack of length. However, if it was any longer it would probably land in the bin of annoying and forgotten tunes. 5. Cancer - 3:54 - Being the closest thing to a ballad on this disc, this song has alot going for it. It starts out being one thing, and then develops into a piano driven ballad with alot of heart and emotion. The lyrics seem to speak of one who suffers from a shifting emotional state and the heartbreak left in its wake. 6. Leo - 2:35 - The roar of the lion breaks upon this hard rocking track describing the personality of a wild king of the jungle who lives for the limelight. 7. Virgo - 3:16 - Another short tune with plenty of punch and flaunts a nice lush chorus and electric playing from the guitarist filling up any would-be holes. Unfortunately the rest of the song isn't quite as interesting as the chorus and the arpeggio laden guitar solo. 8. Libra - 4:11 - Gentle beginning, that opens up into a song that for some reason reminds me of the instrumental from the movie Top Gun. It has that light and airy feel of a huge expansion and flying through the air and into the sky, another really superb and catchy chorus that gives the song such a great overall sound. Its a love song of sorts, that speaks alot about a Libra's personality, the one, who doesn't wish to be alone. The soaring guitar solo fits right into the middle of this tune which also is one of the longest tracks on the album. 9. Scorpio - 3:04 - Dark and brooding, telling the tale of the deceptively vicious Scorpion. Slightly distorted vocals add alot to this almost evil and unforgiving track. Nice booming bass and plenty of guitar shredding wrap up this tune. 10. Sagittarius - 3:07 - On the coolness meter, this tune ranks a ten, and is one of the overall most cleverly designed songs I have ever heard. From the very beginning with the sound of horses hooves opening the track up, to the sharply written lyrics and the wild and free tone to the song, it is awesome from start to finish. Raw and powerful progressive metal that takes a piece of "Scorpio" and puts a commercial edge on it, and slaps an addictive and bassy chorus that is repeated throughout the song. My favorite line from the album comes at the very end, which wraps up the disposition of the half horse, half human hunter of the skies and those that were born under his sign: "We see the world through a wild stallion's eye ... And we always do" 11. Capricorn - 3:25 - The music of this song mirrors the theme of the cold yet patient Capricorn who is destined to be "the last one to fall in this life". Slower and a little plodding featuring a little sprinkling of Rush upon its musical surface, this tune rises and builds for an easy takeoff. The speaker bouncing whisper of "capricorn" is disturbingly delightful. Such little touches like this make what would be a rather bland prog song, and adds another dimension to it. "Capricorn" also ends abruptly, with no intro to the next tune tagged upon its end. 12. Aquarius - 2:59 - Milking the higher end of the musical range, and that toe-tapping feel good quality that 80s metal artists were able to pen with such ease, this song is a joy to listen to. The 80s metal comparison ends with the fact its such a catchy little carefree song, the makings of the tune are actually very progressive in nature. According to "Aquarius" the one born under its sign is detached and requires peace of mind all the time. 13. Pisces - 3:22 - More nifty lyrics that take a piece of what the creature that represents the sign, and styles the words by it. Moody and haunting to begin with, the song quickly opens up to reveal itself as almost a shadow of what was coming on "The Edge" that would be one of the next steps the band dared to take. Lots of progressive drumwork help unfold the story of one who belongs in another world, in another time. 14. Epilogue - 1:18 - "Pisces" flows straight into this song, which continues on about the 'new world' opening up. It winds the entire trip down and puts the final touch on the whole experience with some delicate sparking chimes that remind me of twinkling stars scattered across the sky, which fits so perfectly. |
| I personally was quite estatic that this album lived up to my
expectations. Eternity X took this unique concept and created a masterpiece around it.
There are very few songs that are just sub par on this album, and the clever way the
lyrics were written and the music mirrored to match them, make this release a pure delight
to listen to, whether in its entirety or just a handful of favorite musical pieces at a
time. Most albums that take an idea and use it to tell a story throughout an entire
release, feel more enriching to experience in one sitting, but this one takes it to
another level and can be enjoyed as individual creations as well. That is one factor that
adds to the enjoyment of the album as a whole and breaks it out of the usual concept discs
confinements. The songs themselves rely heavily on their catchy choruses packed with lush
vocal harmonies and the biting pristine axework. Some progressive fans might have problems
getting into the release simply because of the fact its commercial sounding and are
stuffed into itty bitty musical packages that break away from the usual idea that
progressive metal equals long and winded songs. This release is almost completely free of
the extravagant keyboard noodlings that bog down alot of prog metal albums, in my opinion,
but the die hards love that so much and might be turned off by this more guitar driven
prog metal feast (where it earns the tag of being similiar to the band Elegy). Overall I
think its a wonderful album, that takes this idea of the Zodiac and drives it home in such
an ingenious manner. Rating
- 9.3 |
Showcase Album for August
1999