As the title implies, ProgFever vol 1 is a compilation of 12 tracks from various German progressive outfits. All proceeds from this disc will be donated to the victims of the recent floodings in East Germany (this scored ½ * all on it's own ).
It becomes very difficult to review a record which contains such a varied musical spectrum. I thought it best to review each track individually; in as concise a manner as possible.
1. Violet District : " Principles Of Alternation". This band was the predecessor to RPWL. A fairly strong Neo track which is reminiscent of early Arena.
2. Cromwell: " At The End Of Life" . Symphonic-oriented new progressive with crunchy guitars. Very similar to American band Enchant.
3. Zhorn: " Of Swords And Kisses". Actually one of the better tracks on this disc. Medieval-tinged symph-pop with a solid vintage sounding keyboardist.
4. Poor Genetic Material: " The Lady Stands" . An alternate mix of a track from the band's "Leap Into Fall" album. This is a highly orchestrated number filled with wall-to-wall over-dramatic vocals.
5. Cinnamonia: " Sunstream" . Heavy dose of folk and ambient which should appeal to fans of Kate Bush (this whole disc to be reviewed very soon.)
6. Ines Project: " The Dark Room" . A dark, dramatic, and slightly haunting ballad.
7. Dreadful Minds: " Lost My Heart" . Very melodic progmetal which suffers from never taking any chances.
8. Anguish: " Symmetry" . Possibly a Fates Warning clone band ? Very similar to Jim Matheos and Co. with a vocalist who's almost a dead ringer for Ray Alder.
9. High Wheel: " Something In You". Taken from the excellent "Remember The Colours" disc. Not the most representative track of the High Wheel repertoire. Does this mean that Quixote-Music will be re-releasing this band's back catalogue ?
10. T : " Shades Of Silver" . A moody ballad which suffers from poor, muffled, and strained vocals.
11. Zenobia: " Power From Within" . MTV Unplugged-like, flavor-of-the-month pop ballad with more sub-par vocals.
12. Chrass: " Discovery " . An uninspired Neo track which tends to meander. Vocalist lies squarely in the Pendragon vein.
Conclusion: An interesting cross section of German progressive but nothing overly exceptional with any of the tracks. I would be very surprised to see any of these bands (except of course High Wheel) make more than a slight ripple in the progressive ocean.
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