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RECORDING INFORMATION |
Lion Music (LMC200)
This release marks the debut of new keyboardist Rene Kroon and new Vocalist Paul Adrian Vilarreal.
All music recorded at the Pit studio Weert by Hans Reinders, Marcel and Rene in the period of April – December 2006,except keyboards: Recorded at Rene’s home studio by himself.
Mixed by Marcel, Hans and Rene. Produced by: Marcel, Hans, Rene and Paul, Mastered by: Marcel & Hans.
All music written by Sun Caged, except “Engelbert”,
written by Sun Caged & Rob Van Der Loo. All Lyrics by Paul Adrian Villarreal.
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| COMMENTS & REVIEWS |
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ProgNaut
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Published on: 24 Jul 2007
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MJBrady
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Published on: 17 Mar 2007
Alright, I have to say, I feel like I am holding my breath when I think about this band, as I have been following them since their leader/guitarist - Marcel Coenen founded the band after his previous progressive metal band Lemur Voice decided to call it quits. Sun Caged did well on their demos and promotions by allowing fans access to their new sound, drummer Dennis Leeflang was very avid about getting the band heard, until finally the released their debut full length/self titled cd on the Lion Music label a couple years back. That cd left a very positive impression on listeners everywhere with the bands balanced musicianship and songwriting.
Yet soon after, the band began a slow disassembly, members began leaving one by one, until ultimately Marcel was the only active member left. Yet his dedication proves to be well rewarded as he was able to recreate the band with nearly an entirely new line up with vocalist - Paul Adrian Villarreal, bassist - Roel Vink, drummer - Roel Van Helden and keyboardist - Rene Kroon. With such a radical makeover, one might think the band might suffer, yet that does not seem to be the case, in fact, this new band seems to be even more concise and aggressive, while still keeping a similar sound to the first rendition of the band. Certainly Marcels' writing and playing talents are a big influence to the Sun Caged sound, and his contributions here show that he is and will always be one of the premiere talents in progressive metal music.
New singer Villarreal has a nice tone to his vocals, and great range, his voice is not a metal voice, but rather a clean, mid to high register with a great melodic control, his vocals are similar to Enchant's - Ted Leonard but with a bit more natural range. Very easy on the ears. Musically the band follows a similar path heard on the debut cd, but I might argue that this band shows more forays into the instrumental realms progmetal, a good thing considering the talents of the musicians, also, for my tastes, this new drummer seems to have a bit more of a dynamic playing style, than Leeflang, and while I thought replacing Rob Van der Loo on bass and Joost van den Broek on keyboards would prove to be a difficult task to overtake, these new players are equal to the task, and as solid as those previous musicians are, these newer guys are bringing in a fresh sound to the material, and hence, In my opinion, an improved sound for Sun Caged overall.
Marcel knows how to compose music progressive music, his prolific love for writing and playing are well known, and here his material has never sounded more passionate, while staying true to what fans of progressive metal love. There are moments where I can even hear echoes of the mighty Lemur Voice, especially when he duels with Kroon's keyboards, yet no doubt, Sun Caged is definitely it's own identity, mixing melody with technical brilliance, and heaviness of metal with the ambitious aspects of progressive music, yet all in a balance that weaves eac nuance together for a very satisfying sound.
Progmetal has but a few bands that are of the highest standards, and with this new cd, I honestly feel that Marcel has taken the band into that highest echelon, where but a few bands have stayed. I really hope that this line-up can stay intact and build from what they have accomplished here on Artimesia.
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| TRACKS |
CREDITS
(click to view performer credits) |
PROGGNOSIS SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
(click to view Release Page) |
- Lyre's Harmony
- A Fair Trade
- Unborn
- Blood Lines
- Painted Eyes
- Engelbert The Inchworm
- Afraid To Fly
- Dialogue
- Departing Words
- Doldrums
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ProGGnosis - Progressive Rock & Fusion
PO Box 27226
Golden Valley, MN 55427-0226
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