Liquid Horizon: The Script Of Life

I have not heard many 2011 releases so far this year but The Script Of Life from the German band Liquid Horizon is excellent. It is their third full length album, their first two being independent releases. Thankfully the band has found a home on Firefield Records which will hopefully ensure further albums from this talented group of musicians.

In the band are Michael Heck (keyboards), Oliver Kilthau (vocals, guitars), Marc Schroth (bass) and Chuck West (drums, percussion). These guys have been together for a few years now and it shows with The Script Of Life. The press release lists Dokken, Savatage and Dream Theater as influences but you could add others to the list like Poverty's No Crime and Vanden Plas. That said, Liquid Horizon are a carbon copy of no one and their music is fresh and exciting. The band is a combination of metal and progressive rock with both elements getting equal billing. The band does a great job of combining moody elements with heavier style guitar riffage ensuring the interest level remains high.

While there is no doubting the band's talent and their playing is excellent throughout, the music never becomes too bombastic or over the top. The album begins with "All The World" starting with a meandering synth line leading to heavy metallic crunch and tight rhythms before venturing into softer territory with nice cymbal work and soaring vocals. Kilthau has a powerful voice ideally suited for metal. Some growling vocals do crop up sporadically but don't worry if you do not like the style as they do not appear again.

Guitar and synths weave their magic in "End Of Time" with the vocals subtly reminding me of Andy Kuntz of Vanden Plas.

"Crown Of Creation" has the band using keys to great effect adding just the right amount of atmosphere. It is a nicely orchestrated tune and the violin synths add a warmth to the sound. The Spanish tinged acoustic guitar part is excellent.

After some pretty intense songs the band slows it down with the balladic "To The Stars" with understated synths and a beautiful vocal arrangement.

The live bonus track ""Up And Away" ends the CD on a high, showing why Liquid Horizon would be great to see live.

The German progressive metal scene is alive and well thanks to bands like Liquid Horizon. They are definitely a band to watch out for and would seem to have a bright future indeed. In the liner notes it states "Liquid Horizon will return"; let us hope that remains true.

Track Listing:
1. All The World (7:42)
2. Coasts Of Holland (5:05)
3. End Of Time (5:41)
4. Every Second (5:17)
5. Daily Dose (5:47)
6. Crown Of Creation 6:24)
7. One By One (4:35)
8. When Darkness Falls (6:03)
9. To The Stars (4:16)
10. Up And Away (Live) (6:19)

Added: April 9th 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 3279
Language: english

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