Album Title: Unreal
Album Artist: Spheric Universe Experience
Year of Release: 2009
Genre: Progressive Metal
Tracklist
1. White Willow (6:28)
2. Down Memory Lane (3:58)
3. Lakeside Park (5:37)
4. 3rd Type (7:24)
5. Near Death Experience (1:46)
6. Lost Ghost (6:17)
7. Dragged (6:05)
8. O.B.E. (3:59)
9. Tomorrow (8:08)
Total: 49:42

The French progressive metal quintet heads for the release of their third album in 2009. After two heavy records (Mental Torments (2005) and Anima (2007)), the question was and is: Will they finally be able to leave the smothering shadow of genre greats like and especially Dream Theater, upon whose style they relied heavily on their sophomore release Anima?

After listening to this record numerous times, there still cannot be a distinct answer if they did or did not. Their musical style still is classical progressive metal in the way Dream Theater coined it at the beginning of the 90s – although they heavily rely on modern effects to distort the soundscape of their release. Whether they do this to sound modern or just because they like the sound is irrelevant to the listener – the ever-dominating keyboard atmospherics are something you have to like in order to like this band. As for me, I love this type of sound and therefore have a special affinity for bands like Spheric Universe Experience.

On Unreal, they do not really have evolved from their former releases. Altogether, I would even go as far as to conclude that the record is a step back from where they have already been. The technical work still is outstanding, guitar and keyboard soli are – without a trace of doubt – top notch, but musicianship as a whole is somehow fragmented – the songs sound like pieces put together not entirely correct – their elements may sound great, but the complete work has a mediocre touch.

Criticism certainly has to go towards the vocalist of the band, Franck Garcia. Although he pulls off a solid performance, he never is able to really convince the listener of his qualities. He sounds just like one amongst many – with little individuality (which can also be said about the band as a whole). Three albums are enough to prove that they are technically able to be amongst the best bands in the genre but still they lack what it needs to really stand out of the crowd.

As for the songs themselves, White Willow is a rather weak introduction, a song without soul. From there on, the band progresses – Down Memory Lane is ok, although not too creative – heavy sounds, but no real catcher. With Lakeside Park, while the refrain really sticks; the sound still is the same.

From 3rd Type on, the album really gets into gears – this song is longer, has more internal structure and variability. Near Death Experience is a short opportunity to catch ones breath – piano and a bit of drama – leading over to Lost Ghost, which is easily the song with the tightest atmosphere on the whole record – aside from the instrumental part, which somehow does not fit entirely. Dragged sounds very electronic at the beginning and evolves to a classic prog song – nothing to special, although the intro was promising. With O.B.E. the inevitable instrumental is placed as semi-ending of the record. This one is far less complex than the instrumentals on the former records – it does well on the atmosphere part, nonetheless. Tomorrow finally is the longest song on the album – another one highly atmospheric. Even the vocals fit into this song that closes the album in a just fine way.

A point of criticism that is valid against most progressive metal bands is the overexcessive use of instrumental parts – and Spheric Universe Experience is no exception. I feel they could do better if concentrating on the song as a whole, not on how to create a technically complex piece of music. This record suffers heavily under this burden – I hope the French guys wake up and will remember that they are able to write great songs without instrumental madness – like Echoes of the Stars on Mental Torments – but for now I will have to wait patiently.

Finally, the judgment over Unreal is not an easy one to do. Technical brilliance and good atmosphere on the one side, lack of song structure and instrumental narcissism on the other. Conclusively it can be regarded a good album – everyone interested in progressive metal should give it a try – it can be either loved or regarded as uninteresting.

Conclusion: Solid progressive metal album with genre-typical flaws and a lack of uniqueness.

Rating: 7 points (out of 10 points)