Vox Tempus In the Eye of Time
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Originally released in 2004, In the Eye of Time was the debut offering from U.S. melodic progressive rockers Vox Tempus. The band, now signed to Angelmilk Records, was formed after the dissolution of the band Equinox. Guitarist Ray Mantor, bassist Jim Turba and keyboardist Eric Ragno recruited vocalist Dan Reed and reintroduced themselves as Vox Tempus. Making a guest appearance on drums for In the Eye of Time is none other than former David Lee Roth drummer Gregg Bissonette.
Vox Tempus’s sound is hard to pin down. The band draws from progressive rock and metal, melodic rock and AOR, the result of which is a meeting point between mellower Dream Theater and post-Fish Marillion, or perhaps Circus Maximus meets Saga. Actually, with their captivating melodies, technical prowess, and less metallic approach they sound a lot like the long-absent Enchant.
In the Eye of Time doesn’t quite qualify as a metal album, but it definitely has its heavier moments (“Escape”, “Revelations”). It’s progressive in terms of the individual instrumental performances as well as the song structures, but never goes too far into self-indulgent, prog for prog’s sake soloing. Of course, when you have compelling melodies and engaging songs like these, you don’t need to hide behind 15-minute instrumental jams. Mantor and Turba establish the progressive foundation, but it’s Ragno and Reed who cement the album’s melodic rock credentials. Ragno has contributed to several AOR acts (most notably Takara and Ramos/Hugo) and his keyboard work here brings a degree of melodic rock polish. Reed has the kind of voice that’s crystal clear and cuts like a knife. He’s a great fit for this kind of music, but at the same time you could totally see him belting out Journey-style arena rock ballads.
The only real drawback of In the Eye of Time is that it’s perhaps too relaxed at times. There are moments listening to these songs where some heavy rhythms or riffing would have given it a much needed burst of power.
In the Eye of Time will probably leave metal fans a bit cold, but progressive and/or melodic rock fans should find Vox Tempus quite enjoyable. That said, you have to wonder whether a reissue of In the Eye of Time is really necessary, considering the ready availability of the original version. Sure, this newer version has been remastered, but the difference in sound quality is not that distinct. The album certainly deserves to reach a wider audience, which presumably is what Angelmilk is going for with this reissue, but you’d think the band would be better served by releasing a follow up album. Four plus years is a long time to keep fans waiting.
Lineup:
Ray Mantor: Guitar
Jim Turba: Bass
Eric Ragno: Keyboards
Dan Reed: Vocals
Gregg Bissonette: Drums
Label: Angelmilk Records
Track Listing:
1. For Every Life
2. Escape
3. Broken
4. Foreshadows
5. Revelations
6. What About
7. Voice of Time
8. Love, Lies & Treason
9. Steal the Moment
Online: On MySpace
HRH Rating: 7/10