(progressive metal) Delusion - The Tragedy Of Regret - 2003, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The first CD of the Baltimore, Maryland, USA settled band DELUSION was produced by Drew Mazurek, who is known for productions of albums by GWAR, SOULS AT ZERO, LINKIN' PARK and that type of Nu-Metal, so I wasn't expecting that much interesting on this DELUSION, but... I can inform you that this DELUSION has delivered a very sensational CD. They play melodic Progressive Metal in the 80s QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING region.

This is high quality stuff definitely, with awesome high pitched vocals of singer Walt Downey and a lot of excellent memorable songs. The songs are not that complicated and long as some of the other bands in this genre, a bit straighter and very catchy actually. The best comparisons I can come up with are MAGNITUDE 9, ION VEIN, 80s QUEENRSYCHE, BALANCE OF POWER, BLACK MAJESTY... The sound is big and the included 11 songs are all sensational. This is one of those bands that will soon be picked up by a major label here in Europe, as labels like LIMB MUSIC, LION MUSIC and NOISE sign these kind of bands weekly.

Like I said before, the songs are not that long, but are mostly straight-ahead with catchy hooks and memorable chorus, and of course the wonderful lead vocals of singer Walt Downey (he is a true discovery, one of the best newcomers and I can assure you we will hear more from him in the future, a huge talented singer a la GEOFF TATE, maybe even better!), but also lead guitarist Phil Carnes is doing a great job. Highlights are "My Child" (SUPERB!!!), "In My Life", "Feel This Way", "Beyond The Door" and "Falling" (AORish, TRIUMPH orientated).

This is pure 80s US Prog/Power Metal that sounds very melodic, and is a deadringer for the fans of 80s QUEENRSYCHE and FATES WARNING, because this CD of DELUSION is not that far away removed from the high level of those legendary bands. So I can only say to you that you should get yourself a copy A.S.A.P. of this DELUSION, because it is a MUST HAVE!

Walt Downey - lead vocals
Phil Carnes - guitars and keyboards
Sam Kirkendall - bass
Doug Readmond - drums
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Keith Menser - additional keyboards