CoC : Project X - demo : Review

Project X - _demo_
by: Brian Meloon (not rated)

Quite frankly, I wasn't expecting much from this demo, as it's the reformation of Leviathan without lead guitarist John Lutzow (who wrote my favorite songs from Leviathan's _Deepest Secrets Beneath_). However, this demo surprised me, as it's quite well played, and a lot heavier than I expected. Holding somewhat to the sound of _DSB_, this is prog metal in the vein of older Queensryche, relatively commercial sounding, but not sickly sweet. As you'd expect, there's heavy use of melody and harmony, both done reasonably well. Technically, it's very good, with precise rhythm guitar work (though the leads could use some work), and dense, varied drumming, with healthy doses of double bass work. The vocals are the weak link, because although the vocalist has some of the same nuances to his voice as Geoff Tate, he lacks Tate's power. The songs are also a little too simple for my tastes, mostly holding to some kind of standard format, and at times a little too reminiscent of the 80's. The lyrics could use some work too, but the production is fabulous. I think that most prog metal fans will find this worth having.

Contact: Project X

(article published 9/2/1996)