(Melodic Heavy Metal) [CD] Somniae Status - Cassandra - 2003, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Formed in Italy in 1996 with the idea of becoming one of the progressive super bands SOMINAE STATUS used RUSH, YES and KING CRIMSON as their inspiration to create themselves as a five piece band allowing for the production of the songs that soon will become part of this latest offering "Cassandra". After 3 years of strong dedication to their own music and touring extensively playing covers of the likes of IRON MAIDEN and QUEENSRYCHE, SOMNIAE STATUS recorded their first album "Cassandra", co-produced by Alex De Rosso (DARK LORD, DOKKEN).
With the amount of progressive music I have listened to in the past I would have to say that this first offering from SOMINAE STATUS takes the prize for the biggest breakout album I have heard in a long time. Stunningly I was amazed hearing the 2nd track on the CD open with the intensity of bands like DREAM THEATER and VANDEN PLAS. Vocally already I can definitely hear the influence of Geoff Tate from QUEENSRYCHE on singer Breeze Danieli. I would have almost thought that "At The Gates Of Heaven" was in fact a song form old style QUEENSRYCHE albums like "Operation: Mindcrime". Through the hio on the band it even informed me that in fact SOMINAE STATUS did re-record QUEENSRYCHE's "I Don't Believe In Love" from their 88's album "Operation: Mindcrime" on the 2004 CD that will be released soon.
Definitely melodic this 5 piece is nothing but exceptional in every aspect of "Cassandra" and can expect to be part of what the progressive music community adheres to with open arms. There are amazing tempo and rhythm changes here and the musicianship that this Italian band has is comparative to that of some of the progressive kings in the business today. Guitarists Randy Mion and Alex Danieli are extremely tight and are always in fine form instead of leading each other astray and losing the mood of the song at hand.
"Nowhere Run" and "Tongues Of Flame" are a little heavier than the rest of "Cassandra" and definitely show some of the earlier influences of SOMINAE STATUS including what I would believe to be early JUDAS PRIEST. With what I have heard on this freshman release I can only say that my sights are set on finding the newest release and seeing if in fact it captures me the same way "Cassandra" did.
A highly recommended CD this is a definite must for any progressive fan or music lover in general. I was surprised at the quality of SOMINAE STATUS and am a definite supporter.
Metal Observer

Breeze Danieli - vocals
Alex Danieli - guitars
Randy Mion - guitars
Andrew Vekk - bass
Fabio Tumiati - drums
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Mark Perin - drums