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Enchant

A Blueprint of the World

Review by Gary Hill

Although, perhaps more progressive than metal, this album still seems to fit fairly well into this category. The musicianship and song writing on this disc are quite accomplished. Elements of many textures seem to pervade, including the occasional Yes influence. However, the predominant tones are Queensryche, Dream Theater and Rush. The drum work, in particular, is quite Rush inspired. The vocal stylings are quite original and strong. Enchant is Ted Leonard, Douglas A. Ott, Michael Geimer, Paul Craddick and Ed Platt.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 1 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years.

Track by Track Review
The Thirst
With an intro that is just a little reminiscent of Red Barchetta, Dream Theater and Rush influences blend on this cut. Some mildly metallic leanings also make an appearance here. "There`s a flame within your soul, to strive to reach your goal, but dreaming takes its toll."
Catharsis
Again, the intro is quite in the mode of Rush, but the central song structure is more balladic. The feel is perhaps just a bit like Queensryche, although one would have to say that that influence is slight. This is a powerful and emotional piece. As the song moves on, serious progressive elements take over for a time, in the form of a dynamic and potent instrumental break.
Oasis
Containing some solid instrumental interplay, this is a metallic piece with prog leanings in rather Dream Theaterish directions.
Acquaintances
Essentially representing closure to a relationship, this is a beautiful and sad song. "You can dance with me all night, make love by candlelight, we could talk and talk, but it`s all in spite, because I`ll never be your friend." The leanings here are both progressive and metallic with Rush and Queensryche well represented. "When I spoke with you yesterday, I didn`t know what to say, maybe so long, so long."
Mae Dae
A very dramatic intro, complete with Gregorian chant elements, leads into an instrumental that again combines heavy metal with prog. This is an interesting, although rather brief, piece.
At Death`s Door
The introduction is to this number is quite Rycheish (particularly in the Mindcrime vein). Another piece about the pain from a failed relationship, this cut is firmly in a metallic format. Prog leanings, in the form of powerful instrumental passages, do run rampant throughout the piece, though.
East of Eden
East of Eden is another song displaying strong Dream Theater influences.
Nighttime Sky
A pretty textural intro leads to dramatic territory that seems to call to mind both UK and Yes before dropping into a main song structure strongly rooted in a fairly run-of-the-mill rock ballad format. This song is well executed, though and contains magic moments. There are a couple of extended instrumental breaks that include very strong prog elements. The number features twin guitar interplay between Doug Ott and guest guitarist Steve Rothery (Marillion).
Enchanted
This piece alternates between a metallic chorus and verses driven by delicate piano work. This gives a nice contrast to the number, which is a considerably competent prog metal piece.
Open Eyes
Another solid metallic track with strong progressive influences, this is not the best number on the album, but is still quite solid.
 
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