Customer Reviews

The edge

5 star:		(17)
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Eternity X soars with this ambitious composition telling the story of existence on the edge of insanity. From start to finish, the listener is taken on a journey through the dark recesses of the mind of a madman, as retold through the voice and instruments of the band. But is it simply one man's story, or a statement voiced to society living on the edge of a similarly mad existence? It seems it is some of both. Such is how the music speaks to the listener as you are drawn into the beautiful melodies and musical arrangements.

This album is rich with masterful musicianship. Boasting plenty of intricate basslines, complex drumwork, and well-executed dual guitar-keyboard leads, it has technicality and complexity yielding a rich texture. All interplay with each other and weave around the powerful, plaintive melodies to make a whole best described as operatic--while even this definition comes up lacking. The singer/songwriter, Keith Sudano, is so believable, you actually feel as much as hear the lyrics. His range is better defined by personalities or voices than by octaves. He shifts between all of them convincingly. At times the listener is left wondering if he actually wasn't possessed by the soul of the madman himself as the story is told.

At the same time, dark yet beautiful, this album takes you to a new realm. The music demands, or more precisely compels, you to listen to it again and again. Often some fresh nuance reveals itself, as your appreciation grows over each spin. I have listened to it at least 100 times, and I love it more now than ever. Without a doubt, this release must be regarded as one of the greatest musical endeavors ever recorded.

Fans of technical music such as Dream Theater will no doubt find much to please their tastes, as will classical music listeners not averse to aggressive rock. Musicians in any genre will surely marvel at this creation and come away with new ideas. This work has the epic flavor of Meat Loaf or even Phantom of the Opera, the grandiose flair of J.S. Bach, with the solid rock foundation of a talented musical group formed around the nucleus and singular vision of Sudano.

I try and explain the flavor of this music, but ultimately, this CD defies categorization. I would simply call it a masterpiece. If you only buy one album from the "progressive" metal genre, this one has got to be it. For this price, you can't lose. This CD alone is worth more than 3/4 of the rest of my CD collection put together! No joke. If I were being sent to a desert island and only allowed 1 CD, I think this would be it. In other words, buy this CD!!! Be warned though, your life may never be the same...

Before getting The Edge, I had read countless for reviews for it, and invariably they lauded it one of the best albums in the progressive metal category. With that kind of praise, I knew it was something I had to hear for myself.

Expectations were high, and I was in no way disappointed; The Edge encapsulates greatness in progressive metal. Lots of emotional power, grandiosity, virtuoso performances, incredible vocals, and great songwriting. It is a concept album about people on the "edge"; people who question the meaning of life, people who are pushed past the breaking point, a society on a precipice of aberration. Lyrically it is very good. Musically, very good. Vocally, also very good. But The Edge is better than the sum of its impressive parts -- this truly is an extraordinary musical work.

Lead vocalist and songwriter Keith Sudano is a very talented man. Superhumanly accurate, rich and narrative while evoking a romantic power, his voice is a marvel. He is like an actor who becomes different people with each song. At times, he sounds like Mike Baker (from Shadow Gallery), except with far more range, emotional expression, and power. As a songwriter, he has a great sense of complexity and melody and he commands a vast musical vocabulary.

"The Edge - Introduction" is the harrowing overture to this astonishing album. The gothic organ that opens this track sets a dark, haunting tone. In the middle interlude, the instrumental interplay is inventive and exciting. One might first suspect that the album is gearing up for nothing more than an accomplished foray into progressive metal's conventional territory. They would be wrong....

"Fly Away" is the paean of The Edge. Laden with piano and sweeping string synths that accompany the powerful guitars, this song is very moving. The chorus is memorable and beautiful, and Sudano's delivery is breathtaking. The heroic guitar solo is absolutely incredible. The high spirits of this one are very infectious.

"The Confession" had me thinking it was a lost song from Operation: Mindcrime. The thought of this song's premise gives me shivers: it's about a man who kills clergymen in confessionals to avenge his daughter, who was raped and murdered by a priest. Sudano's soaring vocal style of the first two songs changes completely here. Now he isolates the emotional distress of the character and sounds like a normal -- if mentally distraught -- fellow. The anger, the anguish...so perfectly captured by the Sudano's vocals and the cutting instrumentation. The inclusion of "Fortuna Imperatix Mundi" in the intro was an appropriate touch to set the tone.

"The Edge II - The Looking Glass" explores a medieval direction, both musically and lyrically. Jamie Mazur's keyboards establish the atmospheric orchestral backdrop, and Sudano's lyrics are cryptic metaphors for ethical issues. The spitfire guitar riffs build up the urgency before the vocals get start up. The chorus is shocking: Sudano sings an operatic falsetto. It's cool, but at that range Sudano's pronunciation comes apart. That is my only complaint with the entire album.

"A Day In Verse" begins with a sublime piano passage that I love. Sounds a lot like Styx's "Come Sail Away." Sudano's vocals are quieter and almost fragile, but he remains an expressive, visceral wonder. For the most part, "A Day In Verse" is a beautiful ballad, although the middle of the song is more aggressive. The instrumental interlude -- with the heavy throbbing bass, a charging guitar riff, and flamboyant strokes of piano -- is pure genius. It then returns to the quieter theme of the song that is oh so incredible in its evocative power and flow.

By now, Sudano and co. have proven to be infallible songwriters. It seems fitting that they now offer the difficult and mysterious "Imaginarium," which reminds me of Queensryche's "Roads to Madness." This 10-minute track opens with a dark acoustic guitar line, layered by a quiet mesmerizing synth, while the lyrics and vocals are elegiac. Slowly, almost teasingly, the song begins to build in intensity, then things explode into a speedy riff and fiery vocal lines. This undulating arrangement is repeated. Interesting melodic progressions and engaging, high-energy arrangements make this one great.

"The Edge III - Existence Chapter 1,000,009" is a quieter, eclectic piece with lushly pressing instrumental interplay and a subtle, galloping groove. The band shows off some dazzling instrumental interplay during the interlude where they quote classic Beethoven themes.

"The Edge of Madness" is the best recorded depiction of insanity you'll ever hear. Sudano effectively becomes the madman in the song, using close to ten different voices to convey unadulterated dementia. Melody shifts move from staccato guitar strikes to quiet piano passages to accompany the unpredictable change of bearing. It's stunning...but it gets better. In the middle section, Sudano rages at the band itself. Who are they to tell his story, and make money off it, no less? The leads in this song come hard, fast and furious.

"Rejection" seethes with anger, again conveyed perfectly in both a musical and vocal sense. You won't hear unqualified rhythmic violence or vocal fury like this from many progressive metal songs.

"Baptism By Fire" is compositionally colorful with mixes of exquisite piano, impassioned vocals, and mid-tempo riffery. Lyrically, it is about being enraged by the world but finding solace in the single, special person whom you love. It fits, given the way the song goes through so many melody shifts.

"The Edge, Legacy/Reprise" closes the album fittingly. By the time the reprise rolls around, you're almost saddened that the CD is ending. However, the dark, enigmatic tones of this album assures that it will prove fruitful for long-term exploration. You'll be listening to this one for a long time. In terms of diversity, the heterogeneous songs ensure that you'll never get bored. This album leaves an indelible mark, and is a must have.

I am simply awed by this album. I can't reccomend it enough, it desrves much higher than the 5 stars I was allowed.

If anyone who considers this CD is unsure I will personally send your money back. This CD will appeal to the listener of many, many different styles. Yes, Eternity X is based in the rock/hard rock/ metal genre'...but this is spanned by this CD and their other CD "Mind Games" is beautiful as well. 150% approval rating!

_The Edge_ was the first Eternity X album I picked up, and it pretty much had me floored from the first listen. It is a (non-storyline oriented) concept album, and is characterized throughout by very operatic vocals, mesmerizing piano pieces, great solos, and some very progressive moments, as well. Each song is different, yet spectacular in it's own way. I suppose I could go on and on, and tell you how Keith Sudano has perhaps the best, most emotional voice you'll ever hear, or how the music is so varied and dynamic you'll be picking up new things a year later, or all about the album's moments of stunning brillince and beauty, etc, etc... but all I can say is, Buy it and let the music speak for itself. Very highly recommended!!!

It seems that there are many bands out there today incorrectly calling themselves "progressive metal". These bands are all technical and over-the-top and are filled with great musicians. But progressive they ain't. Eternity X is progressive. Sure, Eternity X is technical (some people confuse technical metal with progressive metal) but more importantly, they write good music that defies boundaries. That is progressive. And the Edge is a progressive metal masterpiece. With the Edge, Eternity X pulls off an album of such daring and brilliance that it can only be compared with Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime. No kidding, the Edge is that good. Okay, so I've told you that the Edge is good. But who do they have similarities to? Eternity X has their own sound but they were surely influenced by Queensryche, Rush and Styx. Similarities to Dream Theater can be found in their sound as well. If you like your metal to be a bit different, Eternity X's the Edge will not let you down.

Odd Title? You bet. Odd circumstances too. An aquaintance, familiar with my tastes cajoled me into buying this album. In fact he pretty much implored me to buy this album. If I may paraphrase what he said it went some thing like this; "you gotta buy this album because it is great(agreed) and if you don't they may not make any more albums and I don't want them to stop". Well I bought it and I bought it and I'm glad I did.

Well sir, I afraid you're both right and too late. Eternity X is now a memory. No, that's not right. They're not even a memory and that makes me angry! It almost seems like there is a direct reverse correlation, a dichotomy between talent and success. I'm sure that's not the case. Success, in more cases than not is a matter of timing but still, it isn't fair. These guys deserve better than to now be out of music. (I should clarify this, only the leader Keith Sudano seems to be out of music, three former bandmembers are now on a band, Exhibition)

Eternity X was formed in 1990 by Keith Sudano (vocalist) and Robert "Zeek" Maziekien (bassist). Other band members came and went but for the recording of The Edge (1997), the other members were Jeffrey Shernov (Guitar), Jamie Mazur (keyboards) and Jimmy Peruta (drums).

The Edge

Now I tend to be a little effusive in my praise for worthy albums, therefore for The Edge I will try to be less subjective. Please do not take that to mean that I am less than enthused about The Edge.

If ever the term Art Rock fit the designee, this is it. The Edge is literally a work of Progressive Art. Even AMG recommends this album and they even put The Edge on a par with DTs, Images and Words and so do I. I am so happy I found this album that I am compelled to tell you about it, whoever you may be.

The Music is like a fusion of Dream Theater, Adagio, Symphony X and Shadow Gallery, both Progressive and Symphonic with low keyed to bombastic sounds. The phenomenal singer songwriter, Keith Sudano, has written and arranged some extremely interesting pieces and his powerful voice reminds me of both Roy Kahn of Kamelot, Geoff Tate of Queensryche and a little of Mike Baker of Shadow Gallery

Surprisingly The album starts out, in my opinion, rather slowly (in quality, not speed) with four songs under five stars. "The Edge - Part One" is a good, not particularly inspired, Dream Theater sounding number. "Fly Away" is a long (8 plus minutes) very accessible song reminiscent of Styx or Shadow Gallery. "The Confession" The best if the four, starts with a recording of Carmina Burina, then gets progressive sort of like Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime. "The Edge - Part Two" is actually a very good song but the operatic sounding female singer is too strident and detracts from the overall effect.

Now we're getting to the meat of the album:

"A Day In Verse"
Is there such a thing as a progressive ballad? If so, then this is it. Look for a great melody, lovely passionate singing and great piano playing.

"Imaginarium"
With soft half spoken half sung introductions in the beginning and middle this inscrutable ten minute selection is otherwise mostly a medium fast tempo rock song during the verses and choruses. Look for great guitar playing, ethereal interludes and some fabulous emotive vocals .

"The Edge - Part Three" is one of the shorter and weaker pieces @ only 5 minutes our singer (Sudano) does an excellent job of singing actually sounding like two different people. Look for some background classical melodies.


"The Edge of Madness"
Now we're getting to the killer songs, "Edge of Madness" is an amazing song portraying a realistic portrait of insanity. Look for insane style voices popping up all over the place with piano and guitar accompaniments in this chopped up, widely varied, medium pace song. This song is catchy as Hell!

"Rejection"
"Rejection" starts with a standard telephone recording and a following beep beep beep, which we are all familiar. Following the tempo of the nerve racking beep first drums then the organ jump in the the whole band setting the scene for a heavy guitar laden song of rage.

"Baptized By Fire"
This is one of the more uplifting songs with a pleasant catchy melody accompanying an equally pleasant galloping beat. This song really reminds me of Everon and Oliver Phillips singing. This is the kind of song that'll get in your head and just won't leave you alone.

"The Edge - Legacy/Reprise"
A somewhat eclectic/schizophrenic ending. Look for a convivial acoustic guitar and a slightly folk melody then segueing into the reprise which is more progressive and great emotional singing. (Sudano's trademark)

Conclusion

I haven't mentioned this but The Edge is ostensibly a concept album. I haven't been able to figure out the story, however.

One cannot underestimate the importance of band leader Keith Sudano's vocals are to this album. Sudano is extraordinarily versitile singing in numerous voices and backing himself and even on occasion sounding like a girl. That's not to take away from the other members who are excellent as well but Sudano's vocals put Eternity X over the top. I keep thinking of more singers whom Sudano reminds me of, so here's another one - Jorn Lande of Beyond Twilight, more on style than sound and absolute importance to their respective bands.

So now that I've given my spiel, what do you think? Remember, this album is universally revered by reviewers. I have checked, it is true. The only thing The Edge was lacking was buyers but watch out, this is going to be a classic, so get your copy right now while you still can. For any, that like Progressive Rock or Metal this is a must. If you like any of the similar bands below, this is an essential album.

Similar Bands
Shadow Gallery, Dream Theater, Threshold, Everon, Vanden Plas, Queenryche, Savatage

It's not a five star record. It deserves all stars of the universe.... Mr Sudano, I'm just waiting for the next one.

I can't really add much to the other reviews. I was expecting either an old Queensryche or Dream Theater clone. What I got with this CD is something different than I have ever heard. At first my ears rejected it because it was so different. But as previously mention in other reviews, it takes many listens to fully appreciate. Eternity X takes many different influences and creates their own sound. One example is vocalist Keith Sudano. His voice sounds like a blend of Meatloaf, Jim Kerr (Simple Minds), Mike Baker (Shadow Gallery), and a male Cher (! ). Sounds strange but true. He has a tremendously emotional voice. Do not expect a Geoff Tate soundalike (as I did)! I really only find one glaring flaw with this CD. The chorus for The Edge Part II is the most unlistenable chorus I have ever heard. It sounds like women who can't sing trying to sing by screeching at the tops of their lungs. I don't know if this was a failed attempt at creating an angelic choir or what but it is awful! Enough of the negative point...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I can say with complete honesty that the only thing that is wrong with this 74 minute powerhouse is that it ends. With it Eternity X makes you feel all emotions. A masterpiece of music.

The Edge is without a doubt one of the most emotional, memorable, and deep musical experiences of our time. Keith Sudano's voice changes to suit the mood of the song, sometimes being deep and foreboding ("The Confession," "The Edge of Madness") sometimes light and what I would call joyful ("Fly Away"). The guitar work is blistering, the keyboards very dense and thick, and the drumming technical and very good. Some would call this progressive metal, others would call it power metal. Personally, I go with the term "the landmark progressive album of the decade(excluding Mind Games [also by ETX], of course)." The album itself is quite a bit different than any other progressive album I know of. Dream Theater clones these guys are NOT. I recommend this album to fans of music, period. It is a classic that deserves to be heard.