Search - Eternity X :: Zodiac

Eternity X
Zodiac
Genres: Pop, Rock, Children's Music

CD Details

All Artists: Eternity X
Title: Zodiac
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: The Orchard
Original Release Date: 1/1/2000
Re-Release Date: 3/25/2000
Genres: Pop, Rock, Children's Music
Styles: Progressive, Progressive Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 669910171325

Synopsis

Album Description

The ETERNITY X albums surely deserves greater attention than most of the new Progressive heavy-metal bands, in a recently quite crowded genre (Both quantitatively and qualitatively). Each of them present a subtle blend of symphonic elements, powerful keyboards, fabulous guitar solos and modern rhythms. The first one called "Once Upon A Dream" (1991), the concept that presents the twelve astrological signs "Zodiac" (1993) and the third album "Mind Games" (1995) show a melodical heavy-metal band that is only very little marked by the both symphonic and Progressive rock influences that would be perceptible on the following one with the arrival of a full-time keyboardist. It has to be said that "The Edge" (1997) is an absolute masterpiece ! During both delicate or more energetic tracks, this album proves to be aggressive in its musical content, even though it respects at the same time the ears with very elaborate melodical lines. It can remind of a meeting between S! HADOW GALLERY and DREAM THEATER (Perfect instrumental technique, melodical beauty, varied vocals that alternate with great success aggressive and bursting moments?). The beauty of this major works in this style will seduce both Progressive rock and heavy-metal fans as well as those who appreciate mature and ardent rock music. The moving and expressive texts, helped by the extraordinary aesthetic and always perfect vocals by Keith SUDANO (Let?s mention the vocal similarities with Geddy LEE, Michael SADLER, Mike BAKER and James LaBRIE, or even Tommy ERIKSSON? Of AGENESS !) draw a painting of musical colours that describe the characters from the inside and beyond the edge of eternity?

CD Reviews

Zodiac: One of my All-Time Favorites!

Joe White | Layton, Utah United States | 06/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Zodiac is a concept album that has one song for each of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Every song has its moments, but my favorites include the powerful and aggressive "Aries", the sprawling epic "Libra" (it's only four minutes long but it feels epic) and the engaging, melodic "Leo". These are just some of the highlights as every song on Zodiac is good, even the campy "Cancer". Yes, camp is an element present on Zodiac but the songwriting is so strong--balancing pop metal vocal melodies with aggressive Iron Maiden-type riffs--the campy lyrics can easily be overlooked. In the end, the combination of catchy melodies and heavy metal crunch makes Zodiac one of my all-time favorite albums.Vocalist/songwriter Keith Sudano is one of the best prog metal vocalists ever, in my opinion. It is difficult to compare Mr. Sudano to other vocalists and Zodiac isn't quite his best work vocally (all the vocals were recorded in one day), but Sudano's voice falls somewhere along the lines of an aggressive James LaBrie (Dream Theater) or a rougher Geoff Tate (Queensryche). As for bassist Zeek, he is clearly from the Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) school of bass guitarists and lead guitarist Kevin Riepl sounds like a mix of Eddie Van Halen and Maiden's classic guitar duo of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith.If you want an album that combines fun, melody and aggression, pick up Zodiac. Iron Maiden and 80s pop metal fans may get a kick out of this one. If you're afraid of the pop metal comparisons I keep making, don't worry. Zodiac is heavy metal--even heavier than Iron Maiden--so you need not worry. It just so happens Zodiac is extremely catchy in the vocal melody department. And that makes Zodiac one of my all-time favorites."