Can
you go faster than this? That’s the question coming to my mind when
listening to the first track of the album of Time Requiem, the Swedish
progmetalband of Richard Andersson. Andersson can be considered as the Yngwie
Malmsteen on keyboards, and it’s not really surprising that the Swedish
guitar virtuoso has asked him to join his Rising Force, but at that time he
was active with the band Majestic, the predecessor of Time Requiem. The
music on the debute album of Time Requiem can be described as neo-classical
progressive metal, complex compositions, splendid vocals, impressive soloing
(mainly on keyboards) and a production of superb quality. Andersson has chosen
for Jonas Reingold for the production, the bass player of The Flower Kings. It’s
always dangerous in a review to refer to other groups, but Time Requiem
certainly can be linked to groups as Symphony X, Planet X, Malmsteen, Rhapsody
and Dream Theater. But in this case, the pace of execution comes together with
beautiful melodies, played with such a power and technical abilities. If
course, this could be over the top for the die hard proglover, but those
amongst you who care for above mentioned bands, will certainly not be
disappointed when buying this cd. The
title track ‘Time Requiem’ is a perfect illustration of all what has been
said above: fast riffs on
keyboards, impressive double bass drums, beautiful vocal lines by Apollo,
it’s always surprising how many good singers can be found in the
progmetal-scene. In the middle of the song there is a beautiful symphonic
passage with one of the ‘few’ guitar solos on the album, which is
not that evident for a progmetal album. ‘Watching
the tower of skies’ begins with a very melodic voice, accompanied by even
more romantic keyboards, but soon the rythm section takes it all over and
the pace is going up again: the whole track is full of rhythm changes
and ‘shredding’ keyboards, Symphony X is not far away. The
speedy Milagros Charm has a very recognizable refrain and certainly has a
Malmsteen touch, but on this album the guitar is playing the second role.
That’s the only thing you can blame on Andersson, there is not much room for
fabulous guitar solos, but on the other hand this is what differs Time Requiem
from other progmetal cds. An
acoustic introduction on ‘The Aphorism’ is the first rest point on the
album with a little side step to Mozart, but you will never be relaxed when
listening to this album. Yet this song can be considered as a ballad. Brutal
Mentor is an instrumental keyboard track with classical influences and again
in such a pace, how can they play
all those notes so purely? ‘Visions
Of A New Dawn’ is a melodious metal song, certainly in the vein of Dream
Theater, with very strong vocals of Apollo. And on Grand Opus you can hear
beautiful choir singing in a typical neo classical song. ‘Interplay
of Matters’ is a short but complex number with very complex drum lines,
reminding somewhat of Planet X. ‘Above
and Beyond’ can be referred to Dream Theater and Rhapsody and is a worthy
final track of a splendid neoclassical progmetal cd. Certain people will have
problems with the speed of execution or the overwhelming influence of Richard
Andersson, who plays the key role in Time Requiem. But if you are into above
mentioned bands, this cd should be part of your collection.
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