Search - Andromeda :: Extension of the Wish

Oh my.

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 01/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andromeda = metal band from Sweden. Must be another melodic death metal band, eh? Of course...after all, session vocalist Lawrence Mackory is Darkane's ex-singer. Yeah, gotta be melodic death...Well, no. _Extension of the Wish_, Andromeda's first album, is perceptibly built on the traditional prog metal skeleton: frenzied keyboard/guitar duels, sudden time signature changes, elaborate & intense instrumental passages, and epic structures. My interest in prog metal has been waning of late, because so much of it sounds pretty similar and the writing is average. So if someone had described it to me unenthusiastically, I may have dismissed it. Luckily, excitement is catching... Because ...-- this is drop-dead stunning prog metal if I've ever heard it. The reason for Andromeda success is plain and simple: bandleader and guitarist Johan Reinholdz is an incredible songwriter and every musicians' intensity is in the upper ranks of the style. They are also benefited by the vocals of Lawrence Mackory, whose mid-ranged diverse style is a refreshing change from the operatic histrionics prevalent in the genre. This cuts down on the "prog metal cheese" syndrome prevalent with all those wailing singers. Hoi!Merely in his early twenties, Reinholdz sense of melody is absolutely remarkable. His guitar dominates the music for the most part, filling passages with complex licks and solos. Whereas this may have grown tiresome in the hands of an inept writer, Reinholdz is a melodic genius, and he surrounds himself with a band that emphatically complements his work. Futuristic sounding keyboard lines gives ambiance and color, the drums and bass are intensely technical and aggressive."In the Deepest of Waters", the album's heaviest track, is an intense charge of prog metal with complex rhythmic syncopations and some surprisingly lulling atmospheres (Reinholdz's chord choices are *brilliant*). The opener "The Words Unspoken" is a melodic feast for the ears. "Arch Angel" is a shimmering, soaring piece that balances intense rhythmic phrases with placid vocals and soft moments. "Chameleon Carneval" [sic] is the requisite bombastic prog instrumental, but the (wowing) solos are anchored to the same melodic quality that persists through the whole album. The keyboard solo here is pure madness. The title track is perhaps the best one, with all of the band's strengths manifesting together at once: brilliant melodies, rhythmic complexity, energizing solos, cosmic atmospheres, and Mackory's vocal strength.Andromeda certainly doesn't stomp on boundaries the way Pain of Salvation or Opeth does, so don't expect otherwise if you are going to buy this. What this band does is rejuvenate excitement within a style that is rapidly growing parched and sterile, though your mileage may vary."

Short, yet utterly spectacular in every sense of the word

M. B. Link | USA | 04/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Extension Of The Wish(2001). Andromeda's debut studio album.When it comes to progressive metal, most people can agree that Dream Theater was one of the most influential acts of the 90s, literally spawning LOTS of bands popping up from all different parts of the world. Many of them such as Symphony X, Threshhold, Symphorce, Madsword, and countless others have taken DT's sound from their Images & Words album and came up with their own way of interpretting that style. Even still, these bands did little to set themselves apart from their contemporaries, thereby canceling out the term "progressive." What progressive really means is that a band is able to come up with a fresh and original sound that they can call their own, and have very little to no comparison to other bands. Andromeda is one of the few who I can honestly say that pull it off. Not only that, but they do it with such ease as well.The band is made up of Johan Reinholds(guitars), Martin Hedin(keyboards), Gert Daun(bass), and Thomas Lejon(drums). Also included is session vocalist Lawrence Mackrory. These guys all come from Sweden, which is home to a number of outstanding metal bands like Sonata Artica. All the members play with such precision and complexity, but manage to also feature very INNOVATIVE songwriting. But here is the best part: THEY ARE ALL IN THEIR EARLY 20'S AND THIS IS JUST THE FIRST ALBUM! No debut album ever has this good of musicianship and production from most any band I've ever heard. Reinholds manages the guitars in a very dexteritous manner, and in doing so creates a lot of memorable riffs and melodies. Hedin's keyboard textures are all very melodic and once in a while he pops in a few cool solos here and there. The background synths are all a nice compliment for the songs. The drumming is also very well performed as are the bass guitar parts. Even though Mackrory was only a temporary vocalist for the band, he still pulled off a memorable and varied performance. He's a bit different than most and his range is incredible. Altogether, the five make one hellova progressive metal band.The albums starts off with ONE OF THE BEST OPENER GUITAR RIFFS I'VE EVER HEARD in 'The Words Unspoken'. This riff has a catchy hook which could easily pull in a whale. The song alternates from midpaced to doubletime between the verses and chorus. Next is my favorite track off the album, 'Crescendo Of Thoughts'. Very melodic with a perfect chemistry between guitars and keyboards. This is one song where you can say it is both simple and complex all in one. 'In The Deepest Of Waters' is more of a fast paced romp, and one of the album's heavier tracks. At the very least, this track perfectly demonstrates that the guitarist can play FAST. 'Chameleon Carnival' is simply an instrumental jam session that lets the band go to town with their playing. My least favorite track on here, though it is still awesome. Then there is 'Star Shooter Supreme', the album's heaviest track, letting the guitars take charge and letting the vocals become more intense in this all-out headbanger muscle number. The title track clocks in at 10 minutes and is arguably the most melodic track on the album. Several timechanges and memorable melodies make this song stand out to me. 'Arch Angel' is another favorite of mine, closing out the album with a combination of a catchy melodic sense and technicality.Overall, Extension Of The Wish is a milestone release of the new millenium which shows great hope for the future of prog metal. I still haven't heard any of their new album yet, but if this is any indication, then they will only continue to become greater over time. The only two gripes I have with the album are that at only seven songs, the album is simply too short leaving the listener wanting more, and that the drums are difficult to hear during the heavier songs. Still, quality over quantity always pays off for those willing to give it a chance. Andromeda certainly knows how to invest their time in creating quality music. If you're tired of hearing the same progressive metal style which copies Dream Theater and want something new and fresh, then Extension Of The Wish is the perfect album for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.Other recommendations:
-'Burn The Sun' by Ark
-'II=I' by Andromeda
-'Blink Of An Eye' by Enchant"

Good stuff

---> | Fenton, MI USA | 02/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"this is a good album. i'll have to disagree with some people here and admit that the production is kinda shoddy. the sound isn't quite "crisp", although there are some very "lush" soundscapes created between the guitars and keys. the drumming on this record just does not sound as good as it does on Andromeda's second album. it's very murky sounding, and it's not very tight either. in response to one reviewer; Symphony X is worlds apart from Yngwie. Yngwie is neo-classical, Sy X is heavy on the prog tip. you can't tell me that The Odyssey, Divine Wings, and V have been done before, especially not by Yngwie. it's just not true. also, Romeo's guitar playing isn't confined to classical scales and/or blues.so here is a young swedish progressive metal band, lots of talent, kind of borrowing from others as far as the song structures are concerned. you've heard stuff like this before if you've listened to progressive metal. in the vein of prog bands like DT, Sy X, and other prog-metal acts that sound heavily influenced by Yes and other early progressive rock bands. the solos shred and bounce all over the fretboard, as this young guitar virtuoso flexes his muscles for the first time on a worldwide scale. this album focuses more on guitar wizardry than anything else. if you're looking for something a bit more musical, Andromeda's second album is a good place to start. the writing is tighter and more original, focuses less on guitar, and as i said, better production. this is a great album, but _II=I_ is a better place to start for new listeners. if you like Symphony X, you'll like this band too. it comes with the territory."