Steps is the second album from Sieges Even, and is considerably toned down from their Life Cycle debut. Gone is the thrash and in its place is a modernized Rush like sound. The rhythm section of the Holzwarth brothers sounds more jazz fusion than heavy metal. Even Franz Herde sounds like he might actually be able to sing rather than scream. Opening with a 25 minute tune named 'Tangerine Windows of Solace', I think it's safe to assume Sieges Even were still about being progressive rock oriented. Sieges Even will keep you guessing throughout as to what they will do next, and they certainly have the chops to it. And they prove that, perhaps too often. I miss the pure raw tech thrash of the debut, but this is a very fine, if unexpected, follow up.
Ownership: LP: 1990 Steamhammer. Gatefold. Sent to me by a good friend in Florida not long after release in 1990. The cover is beautiful, and fold out covers were unusual during this era, especially in metal. The centerpiece includes full lyrics and a band photo.
1990 (first listen); 6/19/06; 6/22/17; 1/1/22 (review / new entry)
I'm not that keen on progressive metal but this must be among my 5 top releases of the genre.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year my friend!