The Key is an exceptional progressive release and to think this is the first from the band Amaze Knight is well a pretty amazing effort. Amaze Knight started out in 2010 and comprise of guitarist Christian Dimasi, drummer Michele Scotti, vocalist Fabrizio Aseglio, bass player Matteo Cerantola and yes the keyboards have not been forgotten as they are incorporated very well on The Key. "Liberation (The Reflection)" is a great example of this and a fantastic catchy progressive metal number.
Five tracks are included on the album, five long tracks that is with many cool varied instrumental passages and their songs aren't solely focused on a heavy style take the tranquil atmospheric feel that features on "Heartless" complete with a compelling soaring solo. While yes Amaze Knight are refereed to as a "progressive metal group" but there is more than metal with an inviting metal/rock melodic mix on this debut album. The Key "is a concept album describing emotions, experiences and considerations through a common story which bounds one song to the other, with a varied and unpredictable sound, caused by the many different musical influence each member of the band brings with himself."
Amaze Knight aren't one of the heaviest progressive groups you will hear as this is a very balanced album of rock and metal. Displaying the tasteful chops of skilled musicians without going overboard though they can really "turn it on" when required not shy of performing complex music. Amaze Kinight walk in the steps of others including Dream Theater, speaking of which I didn't think of DT in the early stages of "Imprisoned (Shadows Past)" the longest track on The Key as it twists and turns through many changes the prog. fans will certainly enjoy the ride. The Key has some fantastic solos to be heard also as the guitar work on The Key is just so good making tracks like "Liberation (A New Day)" most memorable, and I have to mention the great classical piano inclusion on this one. There is plenty to be unlocked with The Key you definitely wont get bored while listening to the songs of Amaze Knight.
This Italian band aren't the first progressive metal group to record a fantastic debut, Amaze Knight follow the likes of Aeon Zen, Circus Maximus, Seventh Wonder and Myrath amongst others and those bands aren't bad company at all to be included in.
Track Listing
1. Imprisoned (Shadows Past)
2. Restless Soul
3. Heartless
4. Liberation (The Reflection)
5. Liberation (A New Day)
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