for those that love prog (no core) metal: CHRONOS ZERO (Italy)

Chronos Zero (Italy): A Prelude Into Emptiness (Bakerteam Records)

Chronos Zero could be quite the discovery for those into quality prog metal with real singing. It sounds like Symphony X, Dream Theater and other highly regarded prog metal acts now have some fresh competition from Italy! Luckily, Chronos Zero is not music for musicians. It’s prog and talented, but if I, the non-musician, can understand it, then I feel like other non-musicians probably can understand it, too. I enjoy a fair amount of prog metal, and I think that this band fits rather well with the other prog metal nowadays.

The riffing sounds, to me, a bit groove/thrashy/chuggy so that gives the band a heavier feel than expected. The rhythm guitars play rhythm, not mini solos all over the place, but it seems to me that guitar aficionados should find plenty to feast their ears on. This album lasts over an hour and it sounds like a concept album, although I don’t have the lyrics to confirm this. Overall, the album is one of those that goes for an epic, grand style; it’s probably safe to say that the band took a long time to write and record this album, which is its debut. The singing is strong-throated, traditional male singing. At the same time, the band makes use of female, high singing to contrast with the lower voice.

Prog-friendly listeners that haven’t heard Chronos Zero would find the music a worthy subject of research. Symphony X and Dream Theater supporters, why not give this band a chance? www.chronoszero.com

www.facebook.com/chronoszero

Hear Chronos Zero - Shadow's Lair