This Harmonic Consonance

With an album named This Harmonic Consonance, it is not hard for the uninitiated to figure out that Germany's Lanfear play, at the very least Progressive-tinged, Power Metal. Erudite/nerdy titles are de rigueur but the music tells the story. Lanfear's style of Metal is not much different from that of bands like Symphony X, though not as grand, or Anubis Gate. The songs are guitar-driven but there are plenty of keyboards that give the band a big, futuristic sound. While some Progressive Metal bands sacrifice listenability for technicality, Lanfear avoid that on tracks like "The Reverend," which has a powerful chorus, and "Idiopathic Discreation" which has a smooth, catchy melody.

This Harmonic Consonance, like many Progressive Metal albums, requires several listens before the subtleties and nuances start to become clear. The lyrics are dense and demanding of your full attention. Progressive Metal fans should definitely check out This Harmonic Consonance as it is a quality example of the genre, but Power Metal fans, too, can find plenty to enjoy in Lanfear's tight playing.