What it is supposed to be:

Post-apocalyptic artwork, replete with skulls, towers and futuristic imagery, obsequious song titles, shadowy 3/4 profile photos, and cryptically tangential lyrics all combine to portent another 'progressive metal epic'.

What it is:

In the words of the immortal Gomer Pyle PFC, "Surprise, surprise, surprise"!

These surly fellows from sunny climes have blurred their myriad influences into a maelstrom, and have huffed and puffed their way right through the flimsy house of cards that calls itself progressive metal, leaving a trail of smash and scatteration in their wake with surgically precise rhythms, deft arrangements, superbly arranged vocal harmonies and scattershot solos that pepper the terrain leaving smouldering holes, and, most impressively, with lyrics that DON'T read like a 14 year olds diary.

I find that comparisons between bands are difficult, because they are usually grossly misrepresentative and cast
aspersions rather than light on the query. However, when a band achieves balance between all of the elements of their
concept (lyrically, musically, technically and harmonically), it is easier because so few prog bands ever achieve that
level of expertise.

Of all of the progressive metal that has been perpetrated since the late 80's, only a few bands have managed to reach this lofty plateau: Dream Theater, Cynic, Watchtower, Damn the Machine, and, arguably, Queensryche.

I am loathe to add Prototype to the list because it is simply too early to tell, but I will compare them nonetheless to one of the bands listed.

Vocally, Vince Levalois has an aggressive, coarsely strong baritone/tenor range, and he structures his melodies with maximum impact in mind, making every phrase count harmonically. Of particular note are the overdubbed background vocal arrangements. Harmonically daring at times, they add a texture that enhances the overall motion of the chord progressions, providing 'lift' and propulsion into distantly related tonal centers without resorting to abrupt, jarring changes.

I would like to hear him sing in his natural voice in contrast to the darker throatier tone he utilizes so effectively throughout the entire disc.

Guitarists Kragen Lum and Levalois share credit for rhythm guitar duties, but solos are credited individually and are distinctly different. Both men are capable, demonstrate taste and restraint, and flagellate only when appropriate. Of particular note are the rhythm guitar arrangements-cliche free, dynamic and craftily orchestrated, providing a logical, heavy base for the drummer, Pat Magrath, who plays with fusionesque abandon, punctuating, propelling, and caressing, facile, and furious.

Bassist Kirk Scherer rounds out the rhythm section, ably counterpointing and supporting both unison and ensemble passages. The strength of this band is its ability to deliver its vision of the future in a dramatic fashion lyrically, while reinforcing the message musically.

NOTE TO BANDS: This is how to avoid inadvertently generating ridicule at your own expense. The production is superb, and the overall impression is stunning. Oh, which of the bands am I comparing them to? Damn the Machine. Like DTM, Prototype suffers from unidimensionality in the lead vocals.

Rating: 5+/5 (the + is for renewing my hope in prog metal)

Released by WWIII Records: http://www.ww3music.com/

Prototype Website: http://www.prototypeonline.com/

Review by Jan-Mikael