Psychema: The Entry Point

Following the fine 2009 EP About Face, this year Finnish prog/thrash-metallers Psychema finally debuted with a full-length release called The Entry Point. Mastered by none other than Timo Tolkki himself, the album doesn't disappoint, being a tasty slice of old-school metal with some more modern Dream Theater-esque influences.

What is truly great about The Entry Point is the overall mysterious feel of the album. Starting with the soundtrack-like intro "Entry Point", Psychema effectively weaves horror film atmosphere throughout the whole thing. The outro, appropriately named "Fade Out", only emphasizes this feeling and leaves you wanting more of the same. After all, don't we all love re-watching good, old horror movies?

And what about the songs themselves? Well, they're good, that's for sure. It's not one of those albums with nothing but killer tracks, but all tunes presented here are at least decent and the best ones make Psychema one truly promising band. "You" is a worthy opener (following the aforementioned intro) that showcases everything that's most impressive about the band: the heavy grooves, catchy melodies and handsomely dirty vocals. "Solace in Void" justifies all the comparisons between Psychema and Dream Theater you may have already heard, but what's most important about "Solace…" is the fact that it's one thunderous track – something the DT guys would have surely been proud of themselves. "The Past" is less angry than the other songs on offer here, but thankfully it's not one of those lifeless metal ballads cunningly concocted to try and get some airplay; this, too, is a fine, trademark Psychema track that perfectly gels with the rest of the album. Especially since it's followed by the gorgeous, groovy instrumental "Losing Grace" – another of my personal favorites on The Entry Point.

Oozing horror ambience, filled with some fine melodies and fueled by powerful guitar work, Psychema's debut CD is a welcome addition to any metal collection, and I believe we can expect some really mind-shattering albums from these guys in future.

Tracklisting:
1. Entry Point
2. You
3. Solace In Void
4. Antiparticle
5. About Face
6. The Past
7. Losing Grace
8. Semilucidity
9. Repetitive Moments
10. Fade Out

Added: October 17th 2012
Reviewer: Bartek Paszylk
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2065
Language: english

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