Manifest Tyranny 2011

"This release is, as far as I remember, my first acquaintance with Swedish prog metallers Andromeda, so I do not have their earlier releases as a point of reference or a point of comparison. In any case, I think that "Manifest Tyranny" is a pretty good album which is rich in variation and full of different impressions, but, still, there is a sense of consistency and coherence throughout the album (which is definitely a great strength, sine the album seems to be a concept album, criticizing American foreign politics). Going from semi-thrashy passages over quirky and technical ones to very mellow and melodic ones, generously sprinkling their music with layers of piano parts, electronica elements and plenty of references to classic prog rock, Andromeda invites the listener home for a buffet which will definitely leave even the most insatiable listener feeling satisfied. The musicianship and production are top notch, and, while Andromeda wear their influences on their sleeves (I detect inspiration from early and more recent Dream Theater, 70s prog rock, recent Iron Maiden, late 90s and early 00s Fates Warning as well as [on the lyrical side] Queensrÿche), Andromeda's brand of progressive metal on this release strikes me as being quite original. While it does contain technical and quirky elements as well as dynamic song structures and spacey things, it never becomes inaccessible. Andromeda's "Manifest Tyranny" is an original and lyrically relevant progressive metal release which does not disappoint. (review originally posted at metalmusicarchives.com)"