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Wiz recently released their debut 'Shattered
Mind Therapy', but they are hardly new. Formed back in the late 90s, they have released a few demos, put on hold and have
returned with a demo and now this, their first full length released through Arise Records.
In a nutshell, they can
be described as power metal but on the heavier, thicker sounding a la Brainstorm. They don't sound like them, but have similar
characteristics. The bulk of the songs are in the mid-paced style and have that thick sound in the guitar and a heavy bass
sound which reminds me of said band.
The first 3 songs are garden variety mid paced plodders. Each have their own unique
characteristics but nothing that makes you scream.."I GOTTA HAVE IT"
In song 4, the pace picks up and we have a nice,
hooky speedier power metal song with som nice hook. The fifth song 'Sun Moon Stars' is where it starts to get interesting.
The pace slows down and the lyrics become much more mature and darker with some cool guitar hooks and melodies.
'Down'
is another mid-paced thumper that has a few time changes that keeps it real interesting. It also continues on the darker side
lyrically, almost always a plus for me.
The last four songs range in speed and heavieness, but never capture the quality
found in the middle of the disc. They have their moments, but not for entire songs.
Overall, A good listen that may
take a little bit to get into, but it is worth the purchase.
Favorites: One Chapter in a Fairytale, Sun Moon Stars,
Down
74/100
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