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Sadly, there have been so many releases like this. Decent up to a certain point; then they roll downhill faster than a pair of bowling balls. Now, I can easily say I'm a prog-a-holic, but those similarly minded should give this a miss and purchase something equally geeky, as German/French crossover metallers Horizon really offer little new to the already tepid broth of growth.

Frankly opening with two shit-kicking tracks, Horizon's second album "Worlds Apart" unfortunately, falls apart. Perhaps due to the artwork, this album has a gelid, brumal feel, making each hook, riff and drum beat sound as cold as George Bush's heart. The massive double-bass led attack of "Burning Hunger" is awesome in its fast, dynamic delivery; combining Symphony X and Deep Purple in a conglomeration of high speed neo-classical riffing and deep, bluesy vocal lines. Sounding more like Glen Hughes than any other, vocalist/guitarist Patrick Hemer has a distinctive voice for this genre that lacks context; low, fathomless, and just strong enough to carry the melodies. His guitar work on the other hand is phenomenal; shifting from serrated progressive metal shredding to screaming solos and complicated licks and spins. Following his mass of explosive fretboard wankery are some pile-driving kick drums and haunting synth passages. Apart from the aforementioned opener, only "Always A Stranger" and following track "Edge of Insanity" offer interesting listening. The remainder of the album follows in the same formula, often side-stepping the genre all together to take a new countenance in the shape of their bluesy, AOR-laced debut.

Whilst heavy, crushing, and groove-laden all the way, "Worlds Apart" is prosaic after the first three amazingly catchy tracks. Although the progressive rock and classic heavy metal leanings present a deep well of opportunities for Horizon to tap into, they seem to do so too often, either pushing the progressive tag too much, or not enough. It might be a disjointed effort, but if don't find your head snapping in time with the slaughtering intro of "Brainwashed", you might just need heavy metal therapy. Give Symphony X a call. They'll get the job done quicker – and better.