'Concrete Eden' is the fourth album by New York based symphonic progmetal band Aztec Jade. Infact, it's only theit tirth studio album, as 'Paradise Lost' is a combination of the first two albums. The band is highly influenced by various bands like Styx, Kansas, The Beatles, Rush and Dream Theater. But after having produced a number of 'hard' albums, they are now pointing to new directions, playing a more bombastic symphonic progressive metal and thus appealing to a wider audience. The fantastic voice of lead singer Leon Ozug (sometimes reminding of Kansas) combined with powerful yet melodious musical instrumentation and a perfect production takes this album into my top of 2002. The title track of the album 'Concrete Eden' is a hard rock song, influences of Dream Theater and Rush are obvious. A very tight rythm section and a 'Deep Purple' sounding guitar riff illustrates immediately the trademark of Aztec Jade: melodious and heavy. In the beautiful ballad (let's say in the beginning) 'Black October' there are references to Beatles-songs 'Lady Madonna' and 'Mother Mary', although the music has nothing to do with the guys from Liverpool. A first masterpiece on the album with many rythm changes and excellent vocals by Leon. 'Someone not me' is a ballad, that could reach the charts, if only this band had some airplay. But then again, isn't that the eternal problem with this kind of music? So where's the progressive part? Well, 'Manifestation' is a symphonic and bombastic piece with all the necesarry ingredients, musically and vocally very close to the best tracks of Rhapsody. But don't expect the speed guitar riffs of many progressive metal bands, the compositions are more important than the technicity of the musicians and there is nothing wrong with that! This song and also the next one 'Victory Impression' reminds me also the second cd of 'Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence' of Dream Theater: beautiful keyboards in the background. In a way, the entire album could be seen as a concept album, although each song also stands for itself. In fact, the rest of the album is a mix of influences from Rush, Kansas, Dream Theater and Rhapsody: rhythm changes, powerful drumming ( machine gun-like double bass), melodious guitar lines and riffs, keyboards are always in support but it gives this album his progressive touch. The vocal style of Leon Ozug is perhaps similar to LaBrie's in certain ways, but personnally I feel that Leon's voice has a lot more emotion in it, I would like to hear Dream Theater live with Leon, this must be perfect! Although the musicians of Aztec Jade themselves are also great! Anyway, this is a great album in a stunning production, if you are into Dream Theater, then this album should be in your collection. Reviewed by Claude ‘Clayreon’ Bosschem |
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