Their live 3CD/DVD Live With The Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony (2019, see review) was a blast and now “super group” Sons Of Apollo release their second studio album MMXX, featuring eight brand new tracks. Musically speaking this album is indeed comparable to their debut studio album Psychotic Symphony (2017, see review) although I think that MMXX is just a tiny bit better. This is mainly due to the fact that Bumblefoot's guitar solos are more exquisite and Sherinian's role on the piano and keyboards is bigger than ever; just listen to Desolate July, for instance. King Of Delusion is fast and aggressive, Bumblefoot plays an incredible solo here, and Sherinian offers a magical piano intro. But, again, Sons Of Apollo saves the best for last, as New World Today is an epic prog metal monster second to none. The song clocks almost 16 minutes and features smooth sounding keyboards, excellent bass laying, pounding drums, magnificent guitar work and a glorious vocal performance by Soto. Sons Of Apllo has grown as a band as there is more musical chemistry and the band's identity is much clearer as the role of the Del Fuvio Brothers, being Portnoy and Sherinian, is more prominent than before. However, the musical influences of Dream Theater, Liquid Tension, Platypus and Planet X are still noticeable, but that of course is absolutely no problem as Sons Of Apollo rocks like hell; what a wonderful prog metal start of 2020!!! ****+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
