Search - Balance of Power :: Book of Secrets

Progressive Metal With AOR Influence

Nick Crowson | Stamford, Lincs Great Britain | 08/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Britain isn't the first place you associate with progessive metal (especially well played stuff !!!), but B.O.P. have gone some way to re-adressing that on this album.This is a concept album, although don't let that frighten you, because with the exception of a few very short narrative vocal passages you'd be none the wiser.Musically the band is closer to Queensryche than Dream Theater and does have a slight AOR hint - it does sound pretty radio friendly at times! The songs are generally pretty good ('Walking on..' is an absolute blinder) and are competently performed, but don't expect lots of complicated instrumental passages and terrifying guitar licks.Arguably the strongest part of this album is the Lance King's vocals which are beautifully melodic and smooth and are so good he could almost sing for the wonderful Shadow Gallery. Combine this with a rock solid production and you're pretty much up there with the best of them.However, there's something about this album which means it rarely leaves my CD rack for the player - and to be honest I think it's those commercial keyboards melodies where Petrucci's staccato riffing should be.Being British myself I'd love to give this 5 stars, but there are so many other progressive metal bands out there who I would much rather listen to. If you're fed up with the complexity and intensity of some of the modern progressive bands then you might want to give this album a listen because it's not bad - but just not quite this Brit's cup of tea!"

Goooooooood album ¡¡¡¡ go for it ¡¡¡¡

Jean Funes | San Pedro Sula, Honduras | 03/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Im a Christian and i've always wanted to listen a band like this, I used to listen to fates warning, Queensryche and dream theater, and bands of the 80's rock scene, so listening to book of secrets is a delightful experience, the vocals are incredible, the guitars are very good and the songs are melodic and catchy , and still they are heavy and strong. As a guitar player and a songwriter, ( I have my own band called CODIGO ETERNO ) I can recommend this album. My favorites are: do you dream of angels, its not over( until its over ) and when heaven calls your name, but all the album is excellent, and very hard to find. I Have a copy signed by LANCE KING, and I consider myself very lucky, jeje, its a hard to find cd. BUY IT ¡¡¡ in years will be considered a classic of progressive metal."