Much like Lion Music labelmates Seventh Wonder, Germany's Tomorrow's Eve are showing considerable growth and maturity in recent years, and their latest effort Tales From Serpentia is an excellent follow-up to 2006's Mirror of Creation 2-Genesis II. This release is another melodic progressive metal outing, firmly in the school of Dream Theater and Vanden Plas, featuring crushing metal guitar riffs, symphonic keyboards, tight rhythms, plenty of solo spots, and the commanding vocals of Martin LeMar. Of course, this one is another concept piece, and like Seventh Wonder have done on their latest Mercy Falls, Tomorrow's Eve have added some narration in spots here to move the story along. Thankfully, they don't pop up too often as to be a distraction.
This one's divided into three Chapters, and the story deals with drugs and the weakness of the human psyche. It's pretty involved, so you'll want to read along as you are listening to the bombastic musical accompaniment. Seeing as this should be taken in one sitting, it's hard to point out highlights, but some of the strongest parts include the haunting yet melodic "Remember", LeMar's vocals really soaring on this one, and the guitar heavy "The Years Ahead", featuring some solid riff-o-rama from Rainer Grund. Of course, if you are looking for complex, heavy prog, you've come to the right place, just check out "Succubus", complete with intricate guitar/keyboard/bass mayhem, the churning, symphonic rocker "The Tower", and the near 20-minute "Muse", a real prog-heads dream come true, filled with melody, soft & heavy parts, and tons of complex instrumental virtuosity. Priduction is quite good, all the instruments perfectly coming through the mix crystal clear, and the CD booklet contains all the lyrics and some fine artwork by Carl-Andre Beckston.
Tomorrow's Eve really are a prog-metal band that deserve to be mentioned at the top of the list when it comes to the most talented groups in the genre. Along with Seventh Wonder, both Lion Music bands have made compelling statements this year to be considered in the running for Best Progressive Metal Album of The Year. Give this a listen and be your own judge.
Track Listing
1. Nightfall (0:48)
Chapter I
Black Barren Lands
2. The Years Ahead (5:33)
3. Dream Diary (4:41)
4. No Harm (6:12)
5. Remember (5:50)
6. Succubus (5:48)
Chapter II
A Thousand Nightmares
7. Warning (2:27)
8. The Curse (5:47)
9. The Tower (6:55)
10. Faces (5:07)
Chapter III
Muse (19:20)
11. Serpent's Kiss
12. Past Sin
13. Between the Lines
14. A Cut to Salvation
15. Deliverance
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
