Rolled Gold Classic #1

PMac

\"Not a progressive band at this point\"?!!! Well depends on what you consider 'progressive'. If Queensryche is prog metal then this is more prog than anything they ever produced. But beyond labels, this is simply one of the best US metal albums of the 80s (outside of the thrash genre). Great, engaging compositions overflowing with ideas. Not so much technically complex, but really musically inventive. Primarily because at some stage since the previous album John Arch had thrown the rule book out the window and started to create vocal lines, melodies and harmonies unlike any one else in metal. Some don't like his tone; his voice may not be as strong as Halford, Dio, Dickinson; but his ability to create utterly captivating vocal lines over shifting rhythmic and melodic motifs is peerless. And with one small step they joined the legions of the metal gods!!!