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{Progressive Promotion Records} proudly presents their
(2nd) release from {Toxic Smile} on their german record
label from {Florsheim Germany},the bands (5th) album overall.{Progressive
Promotions} was founded in 2009 and presents artrock,neo-prog
and prog-metal bands.
Here they bring us the new album (Farewell) from "Toxic
Smile". Its a really good (42) minute piece of fine prog
metal,presented as one song, that doesn't beat you up or
leave you drained but instead delivers some really good
music from a group of talented players fronted by (Marek
Arnold) from (Seven Steps To The Green Door, Cyril, Nemo
and Flaming Row) on keyboards and saxaphone.Other members
are (Larry B.) on vocals,(Uwe Reinholz) on guitar,(Stephan
Pankow) on guitar,(Robert Brenner) on bass and (Robert Eisfeldt)
on drums.
With this release,{Toxic Smile} delivers a semi conceptual
piece with the idea that you experience and feel more of
life with you ears than your eyes.Sound is more powerful
than sight.The music is semi symphonic prog metal with a
touch classical and jazz with influences of early (Dream
Theater) and (Seven Steps). Marek presents us with some
great keyboard playing and use of piano,organ and synths
and Larry B. provides some really good vocals with a voice
reminiscent of a mix of a deeper (James LaBrie),(Phil Collins),(Niclas
Flink) and (Hasse Froeberg).Uwe and Stephan do some really
nice guitar work which includes electric and acoustic with
no showboating,shredding or thrashing with touches of (John
Petrucci) and (Jim Matheos) sounds.Robert on bass is quite
good,plays well and even throws in some fretless here an
there.Robert does a nice job on drums and percussion,although
I wish the drums had a bit tighter sound and crisper cymbals.
The album begins with a segment of really nice violins
and cellos before the guitar,piano and drums kick in,then
the music begins to reveal itself with good compositions,some
nice melodies and harmonies.(Larry B's) vocals carry the
music along its path and does a fine job with no screaming
or growling.The album ebbs and flows with music that's at
times energetic and powerful to melodic slower passages
with nice strings and some cool sax by Marek to give it
that extra feel and a whisp of jazz.
Lots of great guitar-work by Uwe and Stephan with intertwined
mix of sounds and acoustics thrown in here and there that
works really well with some great riffs,bursts of energy
without sounding like every other metal band as well as
the more subtle sounds.The music is at times powerful and
emotional but never over the top.The inter-weaved strings
sections offer a nice play between the moods and feel of
the concept.The ending segment is really good bringing us
to closing of the musical piece. Larry's vocals sound perfect
and with feeling as the band leaves us with a satisfying
musical experience from some gifted players! A big congrats
to "Toxic Smile" for this album and a (Big Thank You) to
{Progressive Promotions} for presenting us with this fine
and enjoyable musical artwork.Very recommended.
Russell
Sullins
Prog
Lounge
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