It took nearly 5 years to produce a follow-up to the magnificent debut CD ‘Food for thought substitute’ from the Canadian band, Heaven’s Cry.

I still remember how highly recommended their progressive rock was in different magazines and their future seemed so promising after this explosive start.  Heaven’s Cry succeeded in creating their own style from the beginning, a style only referring, from far, to bands like Psychotic Waltz and the Galactic Cowboys.  Problems with their record company and manager prevented them from working on their music, so we can only be relieved that DVS Records recognised their talents and signed them up for this second exploit.

Luckily, their style hasn’t changed that much since 1997 and on this newest ‘Primal Power Addiction’ Heaven’s Cry play their cards in a distinguished manner : 2 female vocalists alter frequently and make us enjoy listening to polyphonic harmonies (sometimes even Kansas-like-) ; 3 guitar players get a chance to play extensively, but they don’t overact.  I listened to both releases without a pause and I still find the first one rocks more, is more inviting and accessible.  They have worked out the progressive element more now.  In the line-up, Pierre St-Jean and Sylvain Auclair have stayed, whereas Olaf Quinzanos, the guitar player, has become a full member of the band.  He’s the one that took care of the excellent artwork.

It’s quite obvious that this band follows its own obstinate course, comparable to Pain of Salvation, of which they remind me sometimes.  It’s a fact I can only applaud. 

Give this album a chance and you will be richly rewarded.  It’s daring to open a CD with 2 inaccessible tracks, but from “A new paradigm” on, the sound starts to get into your system and the music raises to a higher level, like a gear-wheel locomotive in Switzerland.  Acoustic guitars, strong refrains; we’re allowed to witness beautiful things happening. A special mention for “Divisions”: my absolute favourite.  The band sounds, here, like the Canadian band Rush should sound now.  Remarkable tracks are also “Remembrance”, slow with beautiful harmonies, and the passionate “Waves”.  Their own compositions end with “The inner stream remains”, again, a fine sample of excellent harmonies and superb guitar play.  “Beds are burning” (Midnight Oil) is an eccentric track, hardly differing from the original, but always nice to listen to.

Heaven’s Cry has grown, but remains true to itself.  An excellent performance. 

(Better practice a little, because a well known repertoire on “Progpower”  is more convenient for such complex music)