This is a remixed version of Final Conflict's third full length album. The remix was remastered by Karl Groom.
I reviewed their live DVD, Another Moment in Time, back in 2009, and I enjoyed that one so much that I was pleasantly surprised when I received this new remaster.
This is a solid album full of great prog rock. I have not heard the original version, but can't imagine it sounding much cleaner than this. The production is fantastic, with every note spinning off the disc in crystal clarity, especially right out of the gate on the title track, "Stand Up". The steel pounding, drums, keys, and glistening guitars that open the song are just excellent. The cool crisp guitar work and keys continue to amaze as the song builds and there is no doubt this was meant to be not only an album opener, but the title for a whole project. "Stand up…, who are you, telling me what to do." Yeah, stand up for your rights. A great album opener.
"Signature in the Sand's" melody will bring back memories of Pink Floyd's "What Do You Want From Me", especially when Kristi Bonfield joins in vocal support. The keyboard and guitar solo work is impressive making this another early favorite. The vocals are not as unique and powerful as what I heard on Another Moment in Time. An interesting Saga – sounding journey from this era of progressive rock.
The orchestrated keyboards and synth effects at the beginning of "Whiteline Highway" makes it one of the best songs on the album.
"T230" is a great keyboard and guitar extravaganza before the vocals join in. The lyrics are excellent and full of emotions and the passion of love. Andy and Kristi do an excellent job of bringing out the feeling of these lyrics well. With much of the music up front, this is my favorite song on the album.
This band really knows how to open a song beautifully with great instrumentals and "Days Gone By" is just another example of that ability. The keyboards are fantastic throughout this song.
"Stop" is an epic about the decline of modern society in the UK, complete with vocalized news headlines. The lyrics are powerful and the epic proportion of the music supports the emotional cries of the vocals well. The guitar, keyboards and drums are some of the best on the album.
This album is a great snapshot of the band at this place and time in their career. The instrumentals and epics will definitely fill your music catalog full of new impressions and sounds. The bonus tracks are worth the price of admission alone, even if you have the original version. "Moment in Time" will bring back memories of U2, with its cool lead guitar opening, but the piano and bass later are terrific. "Losing it All's" wonderful acoustic guitar and keys are a wonderful way to close the album. The electric chords and sax are extravagant additions to this previously unreleased track. This one brings back memories of late 70s/early 80s era Genesis. Very good.
Track Listing:
- Stand Up
- Signature in the Sand
- Whiteline Highway
- Wasteland
- 11
- T230
- Days Gone By
- Miss D Meanour
- Omen
- Stop
- Moment in Time-bonus track
- Losing it All-bonus track
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