Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review

: : REVIEW : :

Here we have a fusion-tinged symphonic progressive rock album, replete with furious instrumental solos, dual vocalists, and complex arrangements. Special guest solos by Alex Masi and Derek Sherinian add additional color to the album.

As you can imagine, the songs are quite complex. The song writing style combines elements of rock, metal, classical, and fusion. We are treated to plenty of long instrumental passages and solos. The musicians do a great job of keeping it interesting, which is no small feat when the first song on the album is over 10 minutes long!

I like the dual vocalists on this album. The male/female combination works well, especially when they sing together on the album’s hookier choruses. In fact, that is a strength of Condition Red: catchy choruses. Songs like “Judgement Day” and “Life is Now” pass the sing-a-long test. I always feel a stronger connection with songs I can sing along with. Kind of like playing air guitar, I guess.

The musicians on Condition Red are top-drawer. Some of Alex Masi’s solos are breathtaking, at times leaving me wondering how he executed them. I must investigate Mr. Masi’s work further…Derek Sherinian’s also stands out. His keyboard tone here is much like that found in his work with Dream Theater.

My hat is off to Lars Eric Mattsson. He is credited with guitar, bass and keyboards. Mattson’s playing is solid in all areas, and well suited to the music. On top of this, he produced the album. Very impressive all around.

I don’t mean to short-change any of the other musicians by not mentioning them specifically. Everyone on Condition Red is an excellent player.

Recording quality on Condition Red is quite good. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to mix progressive music—there are so many musical elements happening simultaneously that it can be hard to get everything to ‘gel’. Mattsson has done an excellent production job.

Condition Red offers a wealth of musical information for your listening pleasure. This is an album worthy of repeated listens. If your tastes lean toward the symphonic and/or fusion side of progressive rock, Condition Red is an album you need to add to your collection.

8 out of 10 keyboards.
Reviewer: Jeffrey Ryan Smoots

Visit the artist website: Condition Red

:: DISCOGRAPHY ::
Condition Red - 2000
Condition Red II - 2003 August 18th due date

Record Label: http://www.lionmusic.com/
You can purchase this CD from: http://www.lionmusic.com/