With a voice which you could call a "symphonic Marc Almond," it is difficult to inform our prog loving audience about the existence of this band from Brazil, Inner Flame. In a previous life they were known as Nihil and although it has been said that their music contained a decent amount of influences from Italian bands such as Banco, Dalton and Balletto di Bronzo, I can't help thinking I'm listening to a third rate prog metal outfit. At least that was my impression after hearing the album's opening track "March Of Introspection." With the following song "It's So Late," things already sound much better, although the drumming really isn't what one would expect to hear because it's too predictable. During the entire album all of the drumming will sound too weak, totally unsuited for this kind of material. In "Dark Mask," Alexander Guazzelli's voice leans in the direction of Journey's Steve Perry. During "King" a flute is added, which automatically steers the music more and more into our direction. Also "Pictures From The Past" is a much better song (even if it ends in pure AOR tradition), yet I think the band should listen to their own album a couple of times and then make their own conclusion before they set out to record a follow-up. Reviewed by : John 'Bo Bo' Bollenberg |
