Customer Reviews

Extension of the Wish

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Andromeda = metal band from Sweden. Must be another melodic death metal band, eh? Of course...after all, session vocalist Lawrence Mackory is Darkane's ex-singer. Yeah, gotta be melodic death...

Well, no. _Extension of the Wish_, Andromeda's first album, is perceptibly built on the traditional prog metal skeleton: frenzied keyboard/guitar duels, sudden time signature changes, elaborate & intense instrumental passages, and epic structures. My interest in prog metal has been waning of late, because so much of it sounds pretty similar and the writing is average. So if someone had described it to me unenthusiastically, I may have dismissed it. Luckily, excitement is catching... Because ...-- this is drop-dead stunning prog metal if I've ever heard it.

The reason for Andromeda success is plain and simple: bandleader and guitarist Johan Reinholdz is an incredible songwriter and every musicians' intensity is in the upper ranks of the style. They are also benefited by the vocals of Lawrence Mackory, whose mid-ranged diverse style is a refreshing change from the operatic histrionics prevalent in the genre. This cuts down on the "prog metal cheese" syndrome prevalent with all those wailing singers. Hoi!

Merely in his early twenties, Reinholdz sense of melody is absolutely remarkable. His guitar dominates the music for the most part, filling passages with complex licks and solos. Whereas this may have grown tiresome in the hands of an inept writer, Reinholdz is a melodic genius, and he surrounds himself with a band that emphatically complements his work. Futuristic sounding keyboard lines gives ambiance and color, the drums and bass are intensely technical and aggressive.

"In the Deepest of Waters", the album's heaviest track, is an intense charge of prog metal with complex rhythmic syncopations and some surprisingly lulling atmospheres (Reinholdz's chord choices are *brilliant*). The opener "The Words Unspoken" is a melodic feast for the ears. "Arch Angel" is a shimmering, soaring piece that balances intense rhythmic phrases with placid vocals and soft moments. "Chameleon Carneval" [sic] is the requisite bombastic prog instrumental, but the (wowing) solos are anchored to the same melodic quality that persists through the whole album. The keyboard solo here is pure madness. The title track is perhaps the best one, with all of the band's strengths manifesting together at once: brilliant melodies, rhythmic complexity, energizing solos, cosmic atmospheres, and Mackory's vocal strength.

Andromeda certainly doesn't stomp on boundaries the way Pain of Salvation or Opeth does, so don't expect otherwise if you are going to buy this. What this band does is rejuvenate excitement within a style that is rapidly growing parched and sterile, though your mileage may vary.

Extension Of The Wish(2001). Andromeda's debut studio album.

When it comes to progressive metal, most people can agree that Dream Theater was one of the most influential acts of the 90s, literally spawning LOTS of bands popping up from all different parts of the world. Many of them such as Symphony X, Threshhold, Symphorce, Madsword, and countless others have taken DT's sound from their Images & Words album and came up with their own way of interpretting that style. Even still, these bands did little to set themselves apart from their contemporaries, thereby canceling out the term "progressive." What progressive really means is that a band is able to come up with a fresh and original sound that they can call their own, and have very little to no comparison to other bands. Andromeda is one of the few who I can honestly say that pull it off. Not only that, but they do it with such ease as well.

The band is made up of Johan Reinholds(guitars), Martin Hedin(keyboards), Gert Daun(bass), and Thomas Lejon(drums). Also included is session vocalist Lawrence Mackrory. These guys all come from Sweden, which is home to a number of outstanding metal bands. All the members play with such precision and complexity, but manage to also feature very INNOVATIVE songwriting. But here is the best part: THEY ARE ALL IN THEIR EARLY 20'S AND THIS IS JUST THE FIRST ALBUM! No debut album ever has this good of musicianship and production from most any band I've ever heard. Reinholds manages the guitars in a very dexteritous manner, and in doing so creates a lot of memorable riffs and melodies. Hedin's keyboard textures are all very melodic and once in a while he pops in a few cool solos here and there. The background synths are all a nice compliment for the songs. The drumming is also very well performed as are the bass guitar parts. Even though Mackrory was only a temporary vocalist for the band, he still pulled off a memorable and varied performance. He's a bit different than most and his range is incredible. Altogether, the five make one hellova progressive metal band.

The albums starts off with ONE OF THE BEST OPENER GUITAR RIFFS I'VE EVER HEARD in 'The Words Unspoken'. This riff has a catchy hook which could easily pull in a whale. The song alternates from midpaced to doubletime between the verses and chorus. Next is my favorite track off the album, 'Crescendo Of Thoughts'. Very melodic with a perfect chemistry between guitars and keyboards. This is one song where you can say it is both simple and complex all in one. 'In The Deepest Of Waters' is more of a fast paced romp, and one of the album's heavier tracks. At the very least, this track perfectly demonstrates that the guitarist can play FAST. 'Chameleon Carnival' is simply an instrumental jam session that lets the band go to town with their playing. My least favorite track on here, though it is still awesome. Then there is 'Star Shooter Supreme', the album's heaviest track, letting the guitars take charge and letting the vocals become more intense in this all-out headbanger muscle number. The title track clocks in at 10 minutes and is arguably the most melodic track on the album. Several timechanges and memorable melodies make this song stand out to me. 'Arch Angel' is another favorite of mine, closing out the album with a combination of a catchy melodic sense and technicality.

Overall, Extension Of The Wish is a milestone release of the new millenium which shows great hope for the future of prog metal. I still haven't heard any of their new album yet, but if this is any indication, then they will only continue to become greater over time. The only two gripes I have with the album are that at only seven songs, the album is simply too short leaving the listener wanting more, and that the drums are difficult to hear during the heavier songs. Still, quality over quantity always pays off for those willing to give it a chance. Andromeda certainly knows how to invest their time in creating quality music. If you're tired of hearing the same progressive metal style which copies Dream Theater and want something new and fresh, then Extension Of The Wish is the perfect album for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Other recommendations:

-'Burn The Sun' by Ark

-'II=I' by Andromeda

-'Blink Of An Eye' by Enchant

I first heard these guys back in the days of Napster, when no one could find the albums in stores anywhere, but mp3s were plentiful. There is definitely a Dream Theater influence here, but Johan Reinholdz (the band's guitarist and primary composer) clearly has some alternate routes he wants to go.

Speaking of Johan and the Dream Theater influence, Johan could fill in for John Petrucci any day. They have nearly the same kind of sound. Johan demonstrates this more on their 2nd album, but his sense of style here is already evident.

The standout track for me is easily the title track. The instrumental section in the middle (complete with several solos and a great riff) is one of Johan's finest accomplishments between the two albums.

The vocals, unfortunately, need a lot of work. Actually, the band has a different vocalist entirely now, so asking EotW's vocalist to improve would be a moot point.

Although the guitarwork is fantastic, this is not an instrumental album, and so perhaps there is a little bit too much of it at times. Johan restrains himself a bit more in the next album.

I give this album 7.2/10, or 4 stars. (A solid debut that you should have and enjoy).

This is an album, which easily earns 10 stars.

Between thousands of mediocre releases and wannabes

THIS IS THE REAL STUFF. If you are into metal,

progressive metal and have been missing some quality

lately, then you have not listened to this one yet.

I have been waiting for years to hear something out of the

ordinary. Now I found it.

this is a good album. i'll have to disagree with some people here and admit that the production is kinda shoddy. the sound isn't quite "crisp", although there are some very "lush" soundscapes created between the guitars and keys. the drumming on this record just does not sound as good as it does on Andromeda's second album. it's very murky sounding, and it's not very tight either. in response to one reviewer; Symphony X is worlds apart from Yngwie. Yngwie is neo-classical, Sy X is heavy on the prog tip. you can't tell me that The Odyssey, Divine Wings, and V have been done before, especially not by Yngwie. it's just not true. also, Romeo's guitar playing isn't confined to classical scales and/or blues.

so here is a young swedish progressive metal band, lots of talent, kind of borrowing from others as far as the song structures are concerned. you've heard stuff like this before if you've listened to progressive metal. in the vein of prog bands like DT, Sy X, and other prog-metal acts that sound heavily influenced by Yes and other early progressive rock bands. the solos shred and bounce all over the fretboard, as this young guitar virtuoso flexes his muscles for the first time on a worldwide scale. this album focuses more on guitar wizardry than anything else. if you're looking for something a bit more musical, Andromeda's second album is a good place to start. the writing is tighter and more original, focuses less on guitar, and as i said, better production. this is a great album, but _II=I_ is a better place to start for new listeners. if you like Symphony X, you'll like this band too. it comes with the territory.

The music on the CD is perfect. Excellent guitar, drums and keyboard.

The only thing that keeps this CD from getting a 5 star rating is the singer. Some of his singing becomes almost unbearable, its not in tune with the music at all, and his voice is just plain annoying. If you've heard Spiral Architect and didn't like their singers voice, you probably won't like this guys voice.

Other than that, Amazing CD!

This is a masterpiece in every since of the word. This album is definitly in my top 5. The guitar parts are totally ridiculous and yet smooth and melodic ecstacy at the same time. (Have any of you guitarists tried to play the intro into Morphing into Nothing??? It's UNREAL) The guitar licks are somehow so incredibly complex and downright HARD to play and yet so crystal clear and perfect on the album. I was almost convinced they laid down the tracks at half speed and then sped it up until I saw a video of them playing live.

This album, however, is not just a guitar showcase, it also features great keyboarding, a very alive vocal line, and great bass precision. The greatest thing that keeps me coming back to this album again and again is the sheer melodies! Arch Angels has one of the best sounding choruses I've ever heard in my life.

This album is a must have for any instrumentalist simply because it stimulates so much creativity within yourself. I really can't say enough about this album - buy it!

Other albums to grab along with this one:

Andromeda - II=I

Spiral Architect - A Sceptics Universe

If you are a big fan of heavy-prog music that shreds, like Dream Theater's Images And Words, do yourself a favor and buy this. The music and musicianship is fantastic, the only thing holding this back from a 5-star rating is are the vocals/lyrics.

Not that the vocals are bad, or even cheesy, they just arent up to 5-star quality.

To be fair, the vocalist Lawrence Mackrory is a decent singer, but he is listed in the cd credits under "Session Vocals".

Also, "Extension Of The Wish" clocks in at just over 44 minutes, a bit short by todays standard (too short for those of us wishing to hear more great shredding).

So shred fans, pick this one up and enjoy.

This is the first album from Sweden's Andromeda. I'm one of the lucky ones to have discovered them a long time ago. A guy on an mp3 trading server recommended that I download some of the tracks from him. I was very impressed. I've been waiting for months for this album to be released in the US.

"So what does it sound like?" you ask. It's probably the most modern, up-to-date progressive metal album in existence. It's heavier than most progressive metal, but it doesn't sacrifice any of the tight, neo-classical performances that you would expect from a prog-metal band. They use a certain amount of electronics, but it adds to, rather than subtracts from, the music.

If you like bands like Dream Theater and Symphony X, then you should definitely pick this up. It would also appeal to fans of Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity, and In Flames.

The short version: This is an album characterized by technical playing, asymmetric metering, and great interplay between the guitar, the keys, the drums, and the vocals, which are among the least obtrusive or bombastic of any progressive metal I've heard. The lyrics are clearly declaimed, and I really can't say enough how well the vocals fit in with everything else, something which often isn't the case in progressive metal, where pseudo-screaming is in vogue. Recording is also of high quality. Absolutely the only problem is the 44-minute runtime, which leaves you wanting more.

The long version:

"The Words Unspoken" - The opening riff in 7/8 tells you all you need to know, really. This sounds quite a lot like the stuff I write, so of course I love it. Not a weak moment - 10/10.

"Crescendo of Thoughts" - The transition between the last song and this one is absolutely seamless. The band really demonstrates their understanding of how to manipulate meter in order to achieve different emotional effects. They go the right way where Galileo (Vincenzo) and his Florentine Camerata went the wrong (I'm not a fan of opera, sorry to say). This isn't to say that Andromeda doesn't get melody; they do, and it shows - 10/10.

"In the Deepest of Waters" - Strong, driving introduction, really elegant actually in the way it couches what sounds like a standard metal figure into a complex meter, and a solid song thereafter - 9.5/10.

"Chameleon Carnival" - Tons of harmonic motion within the first minute, shows that the band knows how to play around with harmonic progressions as well as they know how to write in fun time signatures. Also includes some great solos, and sections that just positively jam - 10/10.

"Star Shooter Supreme" - Certainly my least favorite song on this CD, has a very Rob Zombie-esque flavor to it, though with some great keyboard work. The last third of the song is better, with a half-time vocal section and a neat instrumental section; even the last return of the chorus is improved - 9.0/10.

"Extension of the Wish" - Absolutely love the introductory 5/8 figure, and the guitar solo that ties the acoustic section into the distorted section, which then moves back into an acoustic section, and back again into the land of distortion. The layered vocals are a nice touch. The instrumental interlude is über-cool (though I'm biased, again, because it sounds eerily like things I'd written even before having heard of Andromeda). The ending is sweet - 10/10.

"Arch Angel" - A bit more of a straightforward power rock song at times, but it really rocks, and it's generally just more of that delicious intricate prog goodness we've come to expect by this point. The vocals fit the song perfectly, soaring up towards the heavens, relative to the tessitura seen on the other songs. Like the album as a whole, the only problem is that the song is too short - 9.5/10.