The long hand that represents the influence of Dream Theater continues to touch a younger generation especially when melding symphonics to progressive metal. Dark Horizon is another accomplished example of these latter day launches into hybrid experimentation. The album opens with “Hell Fire Wheels” and “Another Lie” which are standard warmups to introduce the audience to its newest lineup.
The 3rd track “Future World” starts the essential unfolding of who these players are and how they want to the world to hear them. The guitar and keyboard parts respectfully balance with each other which in my opinion is the downfall of a number of metal symphony bands who cannot decide on sonic domination or musical cooperation.
On “It’s Time To Be A King” the band introduces a ska rhythm to the vocals that work in synch with a funky bass and make this stand song out for radio play but also for artistic risk that is handsomely rewarded. “Ace of Hearts” is a heavily-influenced early Dream Theater that is stripped of nearly all symphonic harmonies and just relies on strong guitar work and vocal range of a gifted singer.
Towards the end the Dark Horizon wraps up this album nicely with a slower-tempo, but moody “Sea Sirens Voices” full of more dramatic and daring vocal changes than the rest of the album. It’s interesting and operatic without losing touch with its metal roots or symphonic colorings. This band has contributed to the world a very solid and entertaining album meant to remind us how enduring progressive metal is to the great catalog of rock and roll.
Track Listing
1 Hell’s Fire Wheels 4:35
2 Another Lie 4:37
3 Future World 4:34
4 It’s Time To Be A King 4:00
5 Time Is a Healer 4:02
6 Ace Of Heart 4:52
7 Never Again 4:14
8 The Avenger 5:15
9 Sea Sirens Voices 4:38
10 Back To The Real 4:31
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