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This French
progressive metal band is in the vein of Pain of Salvation and Fates Warning, but that might be setting the bar to high. Spheric
Universe, with their tightly played metal, fall into the trap that engulfs most progressive metal bands. Their songs start
out with an edge, then slow down with a melodic verse and chorus, then have a lengthy guitar\keyboard solo break, then go
back to a verse, then have another solo break that slowly fades out. The structure is formulaic but the playing is worth putting
up the formula. The vocals fit perfectly in to the style, even the gang chorus works without being grating. there is a lot
of talent here. And even while the songs are formulaic, they do not blend together. Each song is unique. The stand out track
is the epic Mental Torments which transcends the formula, mixing in some spacy, airy movement. This album really stands out
from the other prog\power releases on it's label. Well worth multiple listens and make sure to listen to the bonus track,
a nice sort of remix of their sound.
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