There's a reason why Enchant continues to be the classiest prog-metal band going, and Blink of an Eye is further proof of that statement. With seven CD's now under their belt, the California ensemble are now veterans on the scene, and have continued to put out material that shows growth and maturity while still sticking to their formula of muscular yet melodic progressive music.
Guitarist Doug Ott and vocalist Ted Leonard continue to drive the band and set Enchant apart from many of their contemporaries. The crunchy riffs of "Seeds of Hate" are meshed perfectly with lyrics that describe someone who regretfully takes the wrong road in life, sung to perfection by Leonard. "Under Fire" is a romping prog-rocker, featuring tight guitar and keyboard interplay, and a galloping chorus. Doug Ott has arguably the sweetest guitar tone today, and his amazing fretwork is on display on the raging "My Everafter" and the super-charged "Flat Line." Perhaps the most poignant track on the CD, "Ultimate Gift", is a gorgeously melodic piece, featuring Ted's best vocals to date. In a perfect world this tune might receive some airplay. Listeners will be happy to know that the majority of the songs on the album exceed five minutes in length, which gives the band plenty of time to tell a story and build some serious symphonic drama.
While Enchant never tried to blow the listener away with non-stop chops, there is plenty of instrumental brilliance here, but don't expect Dream Theater or Shadow Gallery territory. These guys are perhaps the most melodic and tuneful of the newer crop of neo-prog/prog-metal bands, and their brand of Rush/Marillion influenced prog is a welcome change from many of the hordes of "riff-o-rama" hybrids in existence today. Blink of an Eye is a bit heavier than the bands last few albums, and slightly more complex, but the trademark hooks and melodies are ever present. Another winner from a class act.
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