(Progressive/Power/Folk Metal) [CD] Wuthering Heights - Within - 1999, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Take one part Symphony X, add a part or two of Blind Guardian and a healthy dose of Angra, allow to simmer for a while and you'll have Wuthering Heights. The debut disc from this Scandinavian progressive metal band has a lot to offer fans. The symphonic elements of Symphony X are there. The speed of Blind Guardian is there. The classical elements of Angra are there. When this is combined, it creates a big atmosphere of progressive metal that invites you to stay and listen. I'd place them somewhere on the shelf between Evergrey and Dream Theater for atmosphere, content and overall sound.

The band features some great talent. Most notable, perhaps, is vocalist Kristian "Krille" Andren formerly of Tad Morose. The technical aspects of the play are exceptional. There is a great deal of music going on in this disc and thanks to the excellent production at Sensory, it is crisp and clear. The music features the changes of tempo and direction that define the parameters of progressive metal. The lyrics are intelligent and well written. The lyricist lists J.R.R. Tolkien among those to whom he owes a debt of thanks. However, this is not your typical overblown "Tolkien metal" disc. No mighty heroes or chanting Vikings slaying dragons or pillaging villages here. These are the songs of a wanderer looking back on the road he has traveled and forward to where he may yet go.

Rather than stay safely within the conventions of progressive metal, Wuthering Heights pull out the stops and go all out on this disc throwing in as many nice surprises as they can without making it seem overloaded. The band has a large rich sound making this debut disc a prized find. The songs are long and intricate. "Dreamwalker" tops the list at over thirteen minutes and not a one of them boring.

This is a disc that will cause you to hit repeat rather than skip. I look forward to what they may release in the future. You can't go wrong with this disc.

Satan Stole My Teddybear

Kristian 'Krille' Andren - lead vocals
Erik Ravn - guitars and vocals
Rune S. Brink - keyboards
Kasper Gram - bass
Morten Nodgaard - drums
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Troels Liebgott - flute
Henriette Cordes - violin
Carsten Kronhoj, Rasmus Reckeweg, Anders Pharnen-Hermund, Claus Jensen, Kenneth Pedersen, Kristian Larsen, Lars F.Larsen, Rene Nielsen, Mads Volf, Kenneth Saandvig - backing vocals