Since bassist/band leader Lance Sawyer started the progressive metal sensation Pyramid, they have been extremely productive. They released three full-lengths in a three-year period with ‘‘Validity’’ being their fourth effort and probably the best so far.

The band blends their classic progressive metal influences such as Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Symphony X etc. with traditional metal bands like Savatage and Maiden. Having said that, they do not fall in the category of power/progressive Metal, this is definitely a progressive metal album with complex and dense riffing and soloing, both on guitar and keyboards.

This time Tim ‘‘Ripper’’ Owens is on guest vocals and he damn fuckin’ delivers. Whispers, layered, mid or his trademark high-pitch singing are all there to elevate the material’s quality standards even further. His duets with compatriot Andry Lagiou (The Harps) do well as their voices are complementary to each other.

‘‘Prelude’’ is an interesting intro as it is basically a metal interpretation of Edvard Grieg’s ‘‘In the Hall of the Mountain King.’’ The best moment on the album is the 10-minute epic ‘‘Validity’’ where the band has the time and space to show off their technical skills and ability. ‘‘Stigma" is a great example of how to compose a prog metal tune that is actually catchy and accessible, so it makes sense the band chose this for a video. Next would be the most straightforward song on the album, ‘‘Velocity,’’ where Ripper and the rest of the group shine in every possible way. Most songs stand on high level with very few indifferent moments, like the second track ‘‘Resistance’’.

Overall a solid progressive album that should be a must for fans of this genre and a ‘‘need to check’’ album for the rest.