Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review

High Wheel is a German that was formed way back in 1989, and have released 4 studio albums since their formation. "Live Before the Storm" is their fifth release, their first live album and their first release on Swedish label Progress Records.

Musically High Wheel has been influenced by many styles; and no specific tag can be attached to their music. Their main influence seems to be classic British neo-prog, but influences from older groups such as Genesis and Eloy, as well as Gentle Giant and Rush can be found in most of their songs. I do get the impression that Spock's Beard aren't totally unknown to these guys either. In addition to those influences, many songs contains either instrumental elements from metal, or themes and sections where the band as a whole play metal, and then often prog metal.
Characteristic traits in their music is extensive use of keyboards and synths; often floating synths fleshing out the soundscapes and functioning as a sonic backdrop for other instruments while the keyboards deliver or helps underscore the melody; harmony vocals, long epic scale songs with a multitude of minor and major changes and a distinct focus on mood and melody throughout.

The songs on "Live Before the Storm" cover the bands entire career; a decade of musical output. And in this case this results in songs having more or less slight differences in style; High Wheel seems to be a band that has been developing their musical output.
And the overall quality of the songs here seems to be quite varied as well. In my opinion the first half of this release is the best on this double-CD, and the first 4 songs in particular sound good as well as interesting. These songs contains elements that to some extent sets them apart; and they have a tension and vitality to them that is slightly missing on the rest of the songs here.
Not that any of the songs here are bad as such; it's more like some of the songs here lacks some tension and drama, resulting in very nice sounding but ultimately not extremely interesting tunes.

Still, it's a double album filled to the brim with songs; and quite a few of the songs are better than nice as well. With a release clocking in at 136 minutes and a few seconds; this release offers good value for money.
It's clearly worthwhile checking this release out; and fans of groups like IQ, Galahad and Pendragon will probably enjoy this release immensely.

Personal favorites: "Gear Wheels", "The Screamer" and "Outside the Circles"

Rating: 7 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Olav Björnsen

Visit the Artist’s Website

Discography
Live Before the Storm (2006)
Back from the Void (2002)
There (1996)
Remember the Colours (1994)
1910 (1993)