Circus Maximus
The 1st Chapter

THE REVIEW

I confess that if the rating were out of ten, I would have been a bit harsher with this The 1st Chapter, giving it a seven. But I just didn't feel like giving it 3 stars, because I consider this first work by the Norwegian quintet to be more than just sufficient.

I will discuss this record by focusing more on its overall figure than on the evaluation of individual tracks, providing a sort of "buying guide or not."

The genre is prog metal with a Thrash influence, as can be seen from the guitar riffs and the very heavy drums. Let's start with the flaw: The band does not seem to have fully reached its own personality and is heavily influenced by the "sacred monsters" of the genre (Dream Theater, Symphony X, and Threshold above all). But after all, they are only on their first album. Aside from this small issue, the Scandinavians have given birth to a truly interesting and enjoyable album, with rather varied tracks and a decent assortment of different styles: There are heavier songs, others more relaxed, some elegant ballads enriched with strings and winds, an instrumental piece that would be excellent if not for the fact that Dream Theater has been around for quite a while now... (you know "The Dance Of Eternity"?), and an 18-minute "Epic" which turns out, alas, a bit cloying, but overall not bad.
Notably, the opener "Sin" and "Why Am I Here?" are among the brightest moments of the album.
Technically, the five are really not bad at all, both in the execution of the pieces and in the arrangements. The voice has been criticized by some, but personally, even if the style has been heard before, I find it more than good. The solos are beautiful, rather melodic and impactful. A strong point in the composition is indeed the melody of the songs: an excellent mix between the heaviness of metal and melodies that are more than catchy, but rarely trivial, even if, as I have already said, not entirely innovative.

In conclusion, an album I feel like recommending to fans of more straightforward Prog metal, without too many frills. A great album, although not exactly a masterpiece.
The foundations for a great band are all there, I hope (and believe, all in all) that the band will also find a way to distinguish itself a bit more from their predecessors.
Keep it up!