I am amazed by the sheer number of great bands that still come out with quality CDs. Sure, there is a lot of trash coming out, but mixed in there is a lot of quality music. Some of them, like Degree Absolute, are not that original but what new band is? Most of what is coming out has been done before; it is just a matter of how you put those pieces together. Degree Absolute has been able to create a sound that consists of the best parts of thrash, prog, and metal rolled into one (sometimes in one song). Although you could easily compare them to Dream Theater, they do differentiate themselves by adding some thrash in for good measure. Like any recipe, you need to add the correct mixture of ingredients. Degree Absolute have been able to do just that.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.