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Chimera

a Studio Release
by: Andromeda
Release Year:
2006
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Added To Proggnosis on: 28 Jan 2006

Track Listing 

  1. Periscope
  2. In the End The
  3. Hidden Riddle
  4. Going Under
  5. The Cage of Me
  6. No Guidelines
  7. Iskenderun
  8. Inner Circle
  9. Blink of an Eye

Performer Credits  


Fabian Gustavson
Bass
Thomas LeJon
Drums
Johan Reinholdz
Guitars
David Fremberg
Vocals
Martin Hedin
Keyboards

Reviews


review by: MJBradyFor me, this cd rated as one of the more anticipated cds for the year 2006, as up to this point the band had captivated me with both vocal versions of Extension of the Wish, and then the masterpiece I = II, with these recordings behind them, and an established solid lead singer in David Fremberg, I feel that the band had come to the pinnacle of their potential with II =I. Based around a great guitarist, drummer, keyboardist and singer, they now bring a full time bassist into the band, to round out an already formidable nest of talent.

So enter Chimera, the 2006 release, I have listened to this cd a lot, perhaps more than most cds prior to review, in fact I have had this cd since it was made available here in the states through Lasers Edge. Here I am months later, having many other cds reviewed, and just getting a chance to elaborate on this one. I wish I had the time and desire to wait so long and give as much attention to every cd I write about. As you may guess, I am very, very impressed with this music, there were a few suggestions prior to it's official release that the band had tapered their progressiveness down a tad, and that they were more straight forward. And in hearing these comments, I was a bit hesitant upon my first listens. And was quickly reminded that this was Andromeda, the Swedish progmetal sensation. They don't know how to taper or go straight forward, and even if they could, why would they? What with the likes of Lejon, Hedin, Reinholtz and now bass player - Fabian Gustavson, in this band, they are a band that will do something extraordinary every song. And indeed they do.

I cannot hesitate in saying that this cd is at the top of my 2006, and will quite honestly stay there of that I am 100% sure. This is a band that has hit their stride, discovered their identity, and harnessed all of the components that make great bands excellent bands, of which they truely are. After the new sound displayed on II = I, it was apparent even then, that Andromeda was now at the top of their game, and as good or better than any band in the progressive metal genre, anywhere. They have continued with the same similarities shown on that cd, with Fremberg now showing his true potential as a standout vocalist, perfectly complimenting the technical brilliance of his fellow bandmates.

Andromeda should not be considered one that follows a pattern of progressive metal set by the Dream Theaters, Fates Warning, Rush, Queensryche standards, they are altogether able to stand apart from any comparisons, and in equal regard for their unique style and sound. They may have found a new way to fuse their constructive musical complexities with the flowing ease of melody, something that they were doing more of on II - I, here on Chimera, they have become even more alluring in regard to the melodic content, without disregard for the complexity they are so well respected for. And again, they waste no space on the cd, every song has it's own personna, giving maximum listening pleasure with a lasting impression, and the ability to stifle you with every listen.

Andromeda, the band that has taken progressive metal to new domains, while other bands are busy trying to clone a certain band. They sound distinctly individual, while able to convey the very best assets that progmetal has to offer, which is fantastic musicianship, imaginative songwriting, mesmerizing complexity and density, and originality.

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