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RED32 “Cryogenic Dreams”
RED32 “Cryogenic Dreams”
By Dark Starr
I previously reviewed another album from this act. This one is perhaps the stronger of the two. It’s definitely darker. This is modern progressive rock that leans on classic prog foundations. It’s also a very strong release. It is more like metallic prog than classic melodic, but there is a good range throughout.
Some killer keyboard jamming opens the album as it also starts the song titled “Continuum.” The rest of the band join, and we’re off into a killer, bouncing, driving movement that features prog and psychedelic elements. There is a section with some serious drum jamming. The guitar solo is melodic and tasty.
I love the cool trippy rocking jam that begins “Outer Limits.” The track soars out into some exceptionally powerful progressive rock as it continues. It works through a number of shifts and changes as it continues. I’m reminded at different times of bands ranging from YES to STYX, but it is also fresh and modern. The saxophone solo is a nice touch.
There is a blues rock angle built into “Puddle of Tears.” Yet, it’s decidedly proggy, too. It gets into driving, nearly metallic territory at times, too. It is darker and heavier than a lot of the stuff here. I can make out hints of the proggier side of QUEENSRYCHE at times on “Face of Sorrow,” but more definite progressive rock influences are present, too. We get spoken lyrics in a section that makes me think of DREAM THEATERr a little. The track gets some almost creepy sung vocals beyond there. It is a dramatic, dynamic and powerful piece of music.
“After the Disaster” is next, and as it starts weird ambient music is in the background as a spoken voice tells a tale. Eventually it fires out into melodic progressive rock. It drops further down the road to a symphonically tinged mellower section. It is a dark piece, but it’s also so powerful. A keyboard based section serves as the backdrop for a spoken voice as “Before The Rain.” The track gradually evolves outward instrumentally after that voice is gone. This becomes a melodic prog piece that again makes me think of both STYX and YES. It isn’t as dark or heavy as a lot of the rest. Keyboards drive the majority of the track.
“Our Resting Place” has a good energy and groove. It again has a lot in common with modern STYX. Yet, it’s unique at the same time. It is not as dark or heavy as some of the rest. It has some hints of jazz in the mix. Another melodic track, “Hollow Heart” feels somber. It’s slower that some of the rest. The instrumental section is classy, bringing classic prog and more modern elements together.
Moving prog is on the menu as “Finding a New Home” gets underway. After that holds it sans vocals for a good while, it drops to a keyboard based atmospheric backdrop for a spoken vocal section. Once that winds through, we’re back into the earlier instrumental prog jam. That movement ends the track and the album.
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