EDEN - review added 11th August 2010
Album Review: Into The Within (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and Led Theater
Eden is built around the talents of Nick Workman (Kick) and Vince O'Regan (Bob Catley). I haven't knowingly heard any of their albums before, although I have had the pleasure of catching them live where I came away reasonably impressed at their tight harmonies and good musicianship.
Into The Within follows Oblivion (2008). The album sees the band treading boards previously stepped on by heavier Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater and more. Eden play a hard rocking sound with a vaguely proggy edge. The album boasts plenty of variety. Big selling point for me is Nick Workman's vocals. He often sounds like James LaBrie which is no bad thing.
Song wise the first couple of tracks are uninteresting, but then the album suddenly springs to life with the title track. I think the word is wow! 'Into The Within' boasts some beastly guitars and a huge, almost power metal chorus. Very good indeed. 'Here Today (Gone Tomorrow)' is a cool upbeat entry with some stunning progressions. There's a 1980's keyboard feel in there, but the result is remarkably up to date and classy.
'Strong' is a winding, mellow, Dream Theater-esque piece that really is very memorable. 'Lay Me Down' takes a while to get going, but boasts an excellent chorus when it does. The heavy rocking 'All That's Bad For Me' takes the album up a notch or two. It's a really interesting track with a bunch of leftfield rhythms that make it achingly catchy. 'Once In A Lifetime' is a decent Skid-Row-a-like ballad with plenty to like. 'Your Symphony' is good, if not quite to the standard of the album's best. 'Fire Me Up' and 'Loud & Clear ' are both okay-ish, but leave me a touch cold.
The middle of this album is utterly brilliant. The start and finish surprisingly weak. It's disappointing because, judging by the best tracks here, these guys can creating amazing music. Still, musn't grumble too much, this is a fine release by most standards.
Check out... The middle of the album.
Track List:
01. Anything Goes
02. Revolution Man
03. Into The Within
04. Here Today (Gone Tomorrow)
05. Strong
06. Lay Me Down
07. All That's Bad For Me
08. Once In A Lifetime
09. Your Symphony
10. Fire Me Up
12. Loud & Clear
Label: Z Records
Artist's website(s): Eden | MySpace
