Band : 25 Year Screamer
Album Title : Cassandra
Label : Self Release
Distributor : Self Release
Release Date : 2008
Review : CD

 Cassandra is the third release from this Welsh quartet, and although I haven’t heard their previous albums, this one certainly displays a mature and accomplished sound that is mesmerizing and refreshing to listen to. Taking their cue from mainly the early Steve Hogarth-era of Marillion and Rush, vague hints of Genesis, Porcupine Tree and Asia, 25 Year Screamer’s  music is pleasant on the ears, with plenty of strong melodies, nice guitar work, and even some passages featuring vivid percussion, giving it a bit more of a swinging feel. 25 Y.S. brand of prog rock is rich in texture, vibrant in its multitude of tones, and infused with atmospherically cinematic elements.

Nick James’ vox are rich and probably as comfortable with a ballad as something more upbeat, reminding me of a less metal Ray Alder (Fates Warning). Musically, 25 Year Screamer flows easily with numerous changes and moods to get and keep the listener's interest. They do venture out into aggressive material on occasion though, like on the two longer suites “Blacklight” (19.21) and “Cassandra” (29.25) with crunchy guitars, pounding rhythms, fiercing solowork, but mostly this is very melodic though rather dark stuff . Of course, in the true tradition of prog-rock, the most ambitious song is saved for last, a great way to end this rather adventurous album.

Hopefully the band continue on this path in the future, as they will surely continue to grow and be a force in prog rock

90/100

Cosmicmasseur.