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Morningstar is the debut album from Sweden's Lord of Light and it is quite the surprise. Progressive metal is not one of my top genres, but this band avoids the noodling of Dream Theater or Pagan's Mind, instead opting for an approach that doesn't allow the guitars or keyboards to run rampant. They utilize voices and vocal lines more so that other prog bands to help create denser, more complex song structures. The effect is one where you know you're listening to progressive metal, but it doesn't really feel like you're listening to progressive metal. There are hooks and melodies enough to make even the 9+ minutes "Ballad of the Righteous" not feel so long. For my ears, a cross between later Rainbow and Voyager would give you an idea of the vibe, if not the actual sound of Morningstar. Lord of Light may have seemingly come out of nowhere with this album but with music this good, it is quite welcome.