(Progressive Metal) [CD] Sahara - Self Ego - 1996(1997 Japanese Ed), FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Sahara from South Korea is basically five piece melodic prog metal band. Sadly, they have already splitted up about a few years ago. Sahara's first album seemed to be kind of Yngwie Malmsteen influenced neo-classical power metal, which was not that impressive (according to Japanese metal press info). However, later they built up writing skills since then. Finally, they released melodic prog metal gem, "Self Ego" album around 1997. One of strongest points on this band is lead guitar playing. The guitar player had studied and learned guitar technique and music theory at famous guitar institute, G.I.T., perhaps he had a lesson or seminor from Paul Gilbert and Tony MacAlpine or someone else, so his guitar playing is very nice, but he does not overplay that much on "Self Ego" album. Very driving and interesting hard rockish vibes injected pretty well on each song.

Musically, I described that Sahara's music is kind of appealing to the listeners who enjoy Ivanhoe "Polarized" (I mean later era of prog metal oriented IVANHOE) and Loudness "On The Prowl"/"Soldier Of Fortune" style music. A singer of Sahara sounds kind of ANTHEM's Eizou Sakamoto little bit, he sings in mostly Korean language. More than a couple of tunes are completely sung in English, but I think Korean language tunes are better to my ears. Overall, you would guess that this band is melodic prog metal. They keep changing tempo from mid-tempo to up-tempo with metallic grooves (some grooves are very driving). I might not be accurate to say their music reminds me of IVANHOE and LOUDNESS, but I really love the sounds of SAHARA quite a lot. They do not overplay technically, mostly their direction is to play melodically and driving up-beat/middium tempo with comfortable rocking grooves. Definately, they love DREAM THEATER kind of progressive metal. Sahara is relatively unknown melodic prog metal band, but "Self Ego" seemed to be mixed in Los Angeles area, and by American sound engineer. Thus, sound production is relatively solid. Probably, some parts on the album are bit cold and lack of enough warmness.

In my case, Sahara is very enjoyable listening cd. This is melodically guitar-driven prog metal with enough amounts of odd-timing, tempo-changes, nice rock grooves, and enough keyboards. In a few songs, there exists some East Asian tastes from vocal melody's point of view, so I am kind of related to this oriental melody lines and vocal melodies. If you are not familiar with Japanese Metal bands like Loudness/Anthem, such oriental elements distract from enjoying fully. I do not say this band is great, but they have done really good job in their own capacity. Actually, I like their music a lot.

Pilgrim World

Lee Jae-Ho - lead and backing vocals
In Jae-Hong - electric and acoustic guitars
Hwang Chang-Shik - keyboards
Kim Bum-Joo - bass
Hong Jin-Kyu - drums