H R H - R E V I E W S

Thought Chamber
Angular Perceptions InsideOut Music

Comments: Wow. What a unique talented progressive metal band. Pretty much every facet of what makes this band progressive is meticulously done. The bass play is strong, the keyboards spirited, the drums charging and the six-string guitar the ultimate instrument of the lot. They even feature backing vocals that help fill in the songs with more depth and beauty. The talent level is certainly there with an All-Star ensemble featuring the huge underground talent Michael Harris (Arch Rival, Vitalij Kuprij, Solo) on guitar, Derek Blakley and Rob Stankiewiez both of Haji's Kitchen on bass and drums and renowned Ted Leonard of Enchant on vocals. The keys are handled by the capable Bobby Williamson.

On this album Harris gives his best to the benefit of the band not playing to simply show off his vast array of skills. And the listener is the benefactor as Angular Perceptions is a well rounded CD consisting of 10 clean progressive tracks.

The album starts off with the short powerful Instrumental piece "Premonition." It features Harris leaning into a mean guitar ride and near Goth sounding keyboards combining with a spirited drum line.

Almost an Irish acoustic guitar bit starts off "Sacred Treasure" which is a funky, near fusion track that shows Harris's speed bursts and overall clean majestic playing. Here Leonard makes his debut with higher notes and an awesome air to his voice.

Track three "A Legend's Avalon" sees Mr. Harris jumping out with a wicked lead combined with a cool rock guitar melody. Here the drums start to assert themselves and the vocals become deeper and fuller, showing Leonard's range.

The next cut "Balance of One" sees Harris expand upon his talents showing us an emotional side that jumps into a nice series of high pitched notes and ultimately into a groovy deeper pathway.

"Mr. Qwinkle's Therapy" is the real deal with a duel between the keys and the guitar. On this track we see a cool left channel shred piece then Harris rips through a distortion filled number. The keys of Williamson are very unique here in their little battle that sees the listener as the only winner.

"Transmigration of Souls" is a cut that sees pure progressive lines, speedy single note mastery of Harris as well as the heaviest riffs on the record.
The best song on the record if one had to be picked is "God of Oblique" where Ted Leonard displays all his skills on vocals and Derek Blakley taps the bass like his life depends on it. The guitar solo on this track is pure thrash metal and damn good. The key here is that the song highlights all of the performers but still can stand on its own as a solid track.

Number eight "Silent Shore" is the mellowest track on the record as this semi-acoustic track is really jam packed with emotion.

The next to last cut is "Accidentally on Purpose," a wonderful title for a kick ass song. This ditty has almost a Texas progressive rock feel to it if that is even possible, and Harris teams with Blakley to play their asses off on the 6 and four strings respectively.

The last cut is "A Mind Beyond" and is a seven minute journey through statuesque scenery from start to finish.

Folks this record is solid and complete and is certainly worthy of purchase. Pick one up today.

Band Members:
Ted Leonard-Vocals
Michael Harris-Guitars
Derek Blakley - Bass
Rob Stankiewicz - Drums
Bobby Williamson - Keyboards

Track Listing:
1. Premonition 2:17
2. Sacred Treasure 7:00
3. A Legend's Avalon 5:46
4. Balance Of One 6:16
5. Mr. Qwinkle's Therapy 5:31
6. Transmigration Of Souls 6:40
7. God Of Oblique 5:08
8. Silent Shore 3:39
9. Accidentally On Purpose 4:51
10. A Mind Beyond 7:38

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.9/10