Andromeda
II = I

Here is another band from the prog-metal scene which, despite the skill of its musicians, doesn't get much recognition when it comes to prog-metal. In fact, when I hear people talk about this particular genre, the names that are mentioned and compared are always the same... Dream Theater, Pain Of Salvation, Shadow Gallery, Symphony X, even Queensryche and Fates Warning (two bands whose belonging to the genre would be somewhat debatable), sometimes even Vanden Plas and Threshold. But then when we start exploring the genre by listening to smaller bands, we realize that they aren't that "small" after all! They are called, somewhat offensively, "minor" just because they are less known. But if you listen to how they play, you'll discover that they are no less than the more famous ones; in fact, perhaps their music even has a special flavor.

And Andromeda is precisely one of these bands. This Swedish band owes its reputation to the technical skills of its members. Their merit lies in giving their abilities free rein. Their music is very technical, made of complex passages and unusual structures, but fortunately, they also have a clear melodic and atmospheric imprint that every progressive band should aspire to. Lovers of true prog-metal will adore this band.

"Two Is One" is most likely their best record, where all the characteristics of their music blend in the best way. After a good debut with "Extension Of The Wish," this album is decidedly more mature. The first was masterful from a technical point of view, but it was somewhat lacking melodically and atmospherically. Not here, though, and technical moments alternate with more delicate ones. All eight songs are noteworthy, and there doesn't seem to be a moment of faltering. Songs to highlight include especially the opener "Encyclopedia," where the heavier metal riffs alternate very well with delicate arpeggios, keyboard backgrounds, and synth riffs; the title track "Two Is One" where we experience a handful of truly warm and sublime minutes where the keyboards and soft guitar touches seem to transport us into a relaxed atmosphere that really relieves tension from our body before guitar and keyboard launch into delightful scales; the instrumental "Morphing Into Nothing," perfectly executed by all members, which measures up to much more famous instrumentals; the very delicate and touching ballad "Castaway," which closely resembles the more intimate Pain Of Salvation (especially because of the vocal timbre used) characterized by a very well arpeggiated guitar and a moving piano. Not to mention the closing track "This Fragile Surface," which sums up the characteristics of their sound well without being repetitive (beautiful atmospheres here too) and the dark "Mirages", but even the tracks not mentioned don't fall short.

A great album from a band that could push harder for greater media attention, given that the four albums produced so far are noteworthy examples of prog-metal for anyone wanting to get in touch with the genre. Let's give them 5 stars and publish this review with the hope that these guys have a future to remember!