(progressive heavy metal) Sanvoisen - Exotic Ways - 1994, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Sanvoisen are a progressive metal fivesome that haven't seemed to receive much recognition. Possibly this is due to only having two releases to date and both of them being rather hard to find. It's a shame they haven't been better promoted because they play some really good music. Fueled by a pair of guitarists and a talented vocalist, Sanvoisen play metal that hints at being progressive with the use of keys way in the background. Comparisons could be made with Fates Warning or Queensryche for the style and sound.

Their sound is very inviting. The song structure is complex with changes in the melodies of almost every song on the disc. They manage to keep the inviting nature of the music even when making the changes or when in high gear. They use acoustic guitar work to accent and highlight the songs which adds to the richness of the overall sound. The twin guitar attack is what really drives the music forward and gives it real punch. The singer, Vagelis Maranis, is a very good singer. Very much in the Geoff Tate line of singing style, he has a great high end without sounding strained when he reaches. His singing carries the impression that he could push it much harder, but knows his limits. He may go to those upper limits a bit too frequently for some listeners, but I think he carries the songs quite well. Lyrically, there isn't much to say. The liner notes only provide brief quotes from the songs, but a listen or two gives you the content pretty clearly. There is nothing spectacular about the words of the songs, but neither are they silly or bombastic.

The band plays with confidence and produces a sound that you might expect on a fourth or fifth disc. This is a well produced disc that would make a good addition to any collection of progressive heavy metal.

Vagelis Maranis - vocals
Angel Schönbrunn - guitars
Hendrik Böttcher - guitars
Horst "Gamo" Andree - bass
Ulf S. Gokeler - drums
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Luke Herzog - keyboards
Roland Bliesener - keyboards on 2, 6 & 9
Tommy Newton - guitar solo on 2