Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review - Atlantis

: Review :

This 6 member Brazilian band from Rio de Janiero is a surprise...a nice surprise. When I first started listening to the CD, the tight prog metal sound intrigued me. Uncluttered and precise, the music is just where it should be for a polished and talented band performing this intricate style of music. Then......the vocals, and this is the surprise. Expecting a heavy and forceful voice, Luiz enters with a unique jazz influenced vocal and melody, smooth and almost Bowie - like. (very nice).

Some excellent progressive music has emerged from this part of the world. Atlantis is no exception. This 5 song debut is a great introduction for these six talented and diverse musicians who merge their individual styles into a smooth blend of prog metal and melodic jazz. The title of the CD, "New Frontiers" blatantly defines the band's musical place. It seems to be a "new frontier" for this genre of music, which is defined by the melodies, and Luiz's unique vocal style. It is a difficult challenge to create a style such as this in a genre with so many pre-defined sub-genres. But Atlantis did it, and I give them much credit. With a bit of a slant in musical direction along with an attempt for consistency in the writing of their next album(s), I could easily see their music accepted by the worldwide pop-rock audience, i.e; a song on the charts, or perhaps movie soundtracks. If this is a place where they may desire to go, I truly believe their music will take them there.

I give "New Frontiers" an 8 1/2. I would give them a perfect score, but I find that their first release lacks a bit of consistency. They are still searching for that musical thread which will pull this unique sound together for them. I don't believe that "New Frontiers" achieves that for them, but I'm certain that when they do, they will turn a lot of heads their way. Perhaps it may be in a similar way that U2 developed throughout their first few albums. It comes with experience, and time playing and writing together. Not to discourage anyone from purchasing this CD....it's a very enjoyable collection of songs to have and listen to.

I wish you the best, guys, and I am anxious to follow your musical path. You're off to a great start.

Rating 8 out of 10 keyboards
Reviewed by: Stu Barnhart

Visit the artist website: Atlantis
E-mail: fcalani@hotmail.com

:: DISCOGRAPHY ::
New Frontiers EP - 2000

You can purchase this CD from Atlantis