This CD came out originally I think in the fall of 1997, so we're just over 3 years old as I review, yet surprisingly it's readily available from several places. I'm amazed by this. I mean if anyone out there likes Dream Theater, Veni Domine, Impellitteri, Antithesis, or the likes of any neo-classical metal band stop reading this now and figure out what method you will take to obtain this album.
Seriously these guys have it A-L-L! Superb crunching guitars, melodic keyboards, driving drums, a bass player who plays complimenting yet at times surprising lines, and vocals as clean as they come. Now this is a German band so there is a bit of an accent in Timon's vocals, but it really does add a nice touch. Marion does some great female backing vocals at times in addition to playing keys. Andi's leads are not all fast, it really depends on the song, some of his leads are appropriately slower than others. But man when he wants to shred, there's no holding this guy back! Like during 'Take A Stand' they just finished a nice slower piece with calming vocals and as soon as it ends he rips into this lead, double picking it all the way through! Right on!
Along with the guitars that just kill, the drumming really stands out as a major highlight on this album. At a place in time where many drummers would have held back, Gerd will have none of it. He's so aggressive in unexpected parts. It adds a majorly severe dimension to this album.
The lyrics are pretty cool. Quite a bit political with one song about overthrowing the political system (Rebellion) one about preserving nature (Terrion) and an abortion song that takes a pretty distinctive angle (Please Survive!)
Again this is a major 'must have' for all you classic metal freaks, but let me tell you now, you're not getting my copy. This CD kicks butt. Like I said it's got it ALL!
9/10
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh SpencerIt's been said of Lightmare that when they're on, they're on, but when they're off, they're bad. I haven't heard their earlier albums (this is supposed to be a big improvement), but I wouldn't say there's that much of a gap in quality among the songs here. Frankly, Christian fans of classic power metal don't have much to choose from, and this is one of the more worthy albums out there. Rather…Similar sounding releases
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