Band : Perspective XIV
Album title : Shadow Of Doubt
Label : Nightmare Records
Distributor : Connecting Music
Release date : 24/06/2008
Release : CD

Perspective XIV started life in the summer of 1998 in Middletown, Ohio under the name of Perspective. The band was formed by three long time friends whom apparently all loved the Prog scene. They recorded their first album Coming Into Focus in 1999. Their second album was made up of new tracks, as well as re-mastered tracks from their first album. After recording their third CD, with only new material, Lance King of Nightmare Records stumbled upon them, and released this album.

Stylewise it's a mix between ‘70s and ‘80s progressive rock a la Rush, Yes or Kansas, but with a modern sound. The songs are complex, yet not overdone. Think Rush, but with a more aggressive sound, and more centered towards the guitar than towards the keyboards, although they are not neglected and bring more depth in the songs. If you were a Rush or Yes fan, and would like to hear what it's like when you bring together their style with a more modern vibe, you should definitely give this a try.

76/100

Erik Morren.