(Progressive Psychedelic Speed Metal) Sore Plexus - HaPTePHObiC - 1999, MP3, 320 kbps

Some things never change, and that is good. I'm talking here about the first full time CD from the German band Sore Plexus, and people who had the chance to listen to their great Mini-CD 'Visual Agnosia' know what to expect: progressive speed metal played at odd times. OK, not everything has stayed the same, the guys have improved their skills and have become even better than I dared imagine in my wettest dreams. This is the CD we all expected after the first Sieges Even CD 'Life Cycle' when they decided to play more moderate music. Don't get me wrong, Sieges Even are still an incomparable band, but Sore Plexus are at least as interesting as them. We used to call this style of music techno metal in the late Eighties because the musical skills were so technical, and now that the expression 'progressive' is used for every soft rock band that reminds a bit of Marillion, I don't like to use the word with Sore Plexus, because they are really innovative.

Most of the songs are very fast, with great guitar leads, a singer with a high-pitched vocals that never hurt my ears though like Hammerfall does all the time. There are even some experiments with trumpets, violins and sitar which really fit well into the concept. If you happen to find this CD somewhere where you can listen to it, ask to hear 'Die Nasty Qui-Ling' which is like the masterpiece, although '6 a.m.' and the anti-Pro Life song 'Cardriver's Weekend' also kick ass mightily. The song titles apparently have never a real connection to the lyrics which are very negative, but also insightful and understandable. I could discover a lot of my own thoughts while reading through the lyric sheet. The cover artwork reminds of the great Anekdoten, with a child, playing under an overmighty seeming tree, all in blue and black.

If you are into progressive psychedelic speed metal that sounds really unique, you won't survive without this FANTASTIC CD. Get it as soon as possible, or you will suffer eternally in three chord hell!!!

(from DisAgreement online)

Cassy - vocals
Dirk Nowak - guitars
Marcus Muller - bass
Dirk Podrasa - drums
******
Judith Suppelna - violin
Rainer Ziesch - trumpet and horn
Alex Schonert - sitar