Great (four stars out of five)
What are dreams but stories, badly told and half-forgotten?
This question, asked by the "author" of Tales from Serpentia--the latest album from Germany's Tomorrow's Eve--sets the tone for the entire album. This is a dark, angry, unhappy, frightening album. But don't let these adjectives scare you away; Tales from Serpentia is also a very good, though somewhat standard, progressive metal album.
By standard, I mean that the band doesn't necessarily take enormous risks musically. That's not to say that the music isn't extremely strong or complex: it is both of these things. However, it's progressive metal through and through. You won't hear the influences of many other music styles contained within the songs, nor will you be surprised by the use of an unusual instrument. Even the fantastic Muse--the album's epic 20 minute track--doesn't stray far from the standard progressive metal style.
Regardless, Muse remains interesting throughout--as does the rest of the album. The band can most certainly create fantastic songs and a cohesive album, and the songwriting style never becomes dull once on the album. The music definitely grabs your attention, and there are some subtle surprises that listeners will enjoy on repeated listens. Subtle changes to a familiar rhythm--like one near the end of Succubus--make the songs more fun to listen to. However, they also leave the listener wishing that more such changes were present.
One aspect that contains plenty of changes is the vocal performance by Martin LeMar. At his heaviest, LeMar reminds the listener of Russell Allen from Symphony X in all of his trademark gravelly delivery. At his quietest, the vocals become crystal clear, similar to singers of the melodic rock or AOR genre. In short, his performance is consistently strong and offers plenty of variety. In addition, the vocal melodies are good and feel original.
The album's concept, as previously mentioned, is extremely dark. The concept itself is interesting, and the execution is, in most cases, quite good. There are a few moments where the concept actually detracts from the music, however. For instance, the first track of the album is essentially 45 seconds of screamed cursing. In fact, this same sound passage is used in the final song, Muse. The voice acting here isn't particularly strong, and the whole thing seems unnecessary--and perhaps a little ridiculous, regardless of its relation to the overall concept. In addition, there's perhaps a bit too much talking in Muse--talking that is a repetition of previous passages from the album. Despite this, the rest of the album's lyrics are serviceable.
Overall, Tales of Serpentia offers very strong prog metal. The melodies are good, and the vocals are quite varied. The instrumentation is similarly good but just doesn't offer as much variety as some listeners may be seeking. Still, if you're looking for some dark yet catchy progressive metal, this album will give it to you.
Andrew Kauz
www.progressivemelodies.com
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| Tomorrow's Eve - Tales From Serpentia (9/10) - Germany - 2008 |
Genre: Progressive Metal
Label: Lion Music
Playing time: 68:28
Band homepage: Tomorrow's Eve
Tracklist:
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Nightfall
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The Years Ahead
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Dream Diary
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No Harm
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Remember
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Succubus
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Warning
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The Curse
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The Tower
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Faces
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Muse
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I think that every country and every genre has its unsung heroes that would deserve so much more attention than they receive. When it comes to German Progressive Metal, TOMORROW’S EVE undoubtedly are part of this “elite” group of bands, because while releasing immensely high-quality releases, only few people have ever even heard of them, which is sad and frustrating at the same time. “Tales From Serpentia” is their fourth full-length album and once again they are laying out a concept as foundation for the music to built on and while the story does not necessarily seem overtly original, it is way more than what first catches the eye. It deals with a man, who, together with his wife, becomes addicted to a drug named “serpentia”, and then after a huge fight breaks up with his wife and decides to come clean, but sees his past catching up with him when he finds notes that he had put down while being under the influence.
The crucial element for any of these concepts is the realization and here TOMORROW’S EVE shine, for the music perfectly reflects the different moods the character goes through, be it reflection, desperation, hope or aggression, with a common dark atmosphere threading through the whole album, a lot darker than what we have heard from the German quintet in the past, while maintaining a definitive Prog foundation, but without over-cranking the complexity gears. This is greatly complemented by the expressive voice of Martin LeMar, who is a true asset to the band due to his emotive delivery, which mirrors the agony the main character is going through, resulting in a captivating whole that will suck the listener into its world to relive the progression of the story and face the demons that are the root of all evil, so to say.
And this also makes it immensely hard to go into great detail on single songs, as they all are integral part of the story and album and while being good tracks independently, make the most sense in the context of the album, thus the total is greater than the sum of its single parts, which is why I will refrain from mentioning single songs (just this much – rarely has a 19 minute+ closer finished off an album more wholesome than “Muse” in this case), as they are too much part of the whole for me to dissect them. Just rest assured that the Germans manage to walk the narrow ledge between demand and accessibility, being able to fully put the songs into the service of the story to further and progress it (so I guess that in this case the term “Progressive” Metal is truly warranted?!), showing enough technical prowess to wipe any doubts about their skills away, but at the same time not resulting to senseless wankery to impress (or annoy) the listener, making the over 68 minutes of this album rush by like a Grindcore EP.
Embedded into a very clear and powerful production, which lets all the details shine, “Tales From Serpentia” paints a dark and dreary picture of what drug (ab)use can lead to, truly shining in its musical realization of a dense, dark and at times disturbing topic, which is one of the best Prog Metal albums of the year 2008 and should hopefully help TOMORROW’S EVE to be catapulted closer to the Prog Olympus, where they would deserve to be seated among the greats!
(Online January 20, 2009)
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 www.metal-observer.com
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TOMORROW'S EVE - The Tower
Lion Music
Metal Express Rating: 8.5/10
Release Date: 2007-05-29
by: GEORGE FUSTOS
Email: george(at)metalexpressradio(dot)com www.metalexpressradio.com
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 The members of Tomorrow’s Eve have indeed turned the page. They are now at a level that few bands ever achieve in their lifetime. What a difference a year makes. Their last release, Mirror of Creation II – Genesis II in 2006, was good, but who in their right mind expected this? The Tower sounds as if the band went back to music school, just graduated, and put out this new EP. The music on it sounds far superior to what anyone could have predicted -- it is that good.
This 4-track EP is a limited edition CD album that was put together to give fans an idea of what to expect on the bands next full-length album, expected to be released after their European tour with Circle II Circle. It contains some new music as well as some re-recorded material with a 2007 spin on it. It will also hint at what direction the band is headed. The band will be using SU-2 Studios (Germany) once again where they are already booked for their latest undertaking. TheTower is dark and aggressive, something that will be carried over to their new full-length release.
The band remains intact with the same line-up from their last release. “The Tower” and “Remember” are the two new songs, along with different versions of “Success” and “Not From This World.” Guests include Jennie Kloos, once again with her beautiful voice, and Phil Hillen. The EP is a little over 22 minutes, but seems to last much longer while you listen to it from beginning to end, leaving you wanting more. You’ll just have to wait for the band's next release, which is exactly the sole purpose for this EP tease.
“The Tower” coming in at a hair under 7 minutes showcases the band's new found talent equally amongst themselves, but Tom Diener’s drumming is clearly the highlight. “Remember” comes in around 6 minutes, and the emphasis is on Martin LeMar’s strong voice. While “Success” is a different version, the drumming on it is just plain out of this world and all over the place. The keyboard playing by Oliver Schwiekert is quite evident. The new “Not From This World” once again highlights the incredible voice of Jennie Kloos. The duets with Martin LeMar are just beautiful. Of course, the bass playing of Chris Doerr and the guitar magic of Rainer Grund is as solid as ever, keeping everything together quietly in the background. Okay, maybe not quietly.
While The Tower is a 4-track EP, it is also a collectors item and in short supply. There are a few more copies available from what the band's Web site is saying. Therefore, fans of Prog Metal and especially fans of Tomorrow’s Eve should get their act in gear unless you want to be saying “I wish I picked that CD up while I had the chance” down the road. You won’t be disappointed one bit.
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Tomorrow’s Eve: The Tower
 This limited edition four track single is a foretaste of the style to be expected in the German heavy classic rock band’s next (fourth) full studio work. In the title track which opens the CD, you can hear traces of Ian Gillan’s influence in Martin LeMar’s clearly enunciated and powerful voice. Rainer Grund’s tasty and fast-flowing guitar lines glide over symphonic keys and driving bass and drums in this anthemic opener and the band also display the tender side of their nature in the piano accompanied breathy ending, along with the similar opening to the next song, "Remember". Le Mar is at his most fervent here underscored by some great melodic bass from Chris Doerr and towering keys from Oliver Schwickert giving the song a heady operatic conclusion.
Side 2 as it would have been, contains updated material from the band’s early career. "Success 2007" moves more firmly back into the band’s metal roots, clobbering the listener from the outset with spitting guitar and drums before the pace is cut back to allow LeMar’s vocals to come through. One of the best male metal vocalists around to this reviewer’s ears, Le Mar delivers the words with supreme force and clarity over a gradually built riff and string synth/piano accompaniment which carry the track through its paces between verses. "Not From This World 2007" completes the disc with the inclusion of guest male and female vocalists in this poignant duet.
If the next full album is as good as the material presented here we are looking at a top band in this genre.
Track Listing
1. The Tower
2. Remember
3. Success 2007
4. Not from this world 2007
Added: July 24th 2007
Reviewer: Richard Barnes
Score: 
Related Link: Lion Music
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http://www.virtuosityone.com/reviewroundup0507.htm
Bouncing back quickly from last years recommended ‘Mirror Of Creation II: The Genesis’, Tomorrow’s Eve have wasted no time in putting together a rather special little EP entitled ‘The Tower’ to celebrate their recent European tour with Circle II Circle. The EP contains 2 tracks from their next album in ‘The Tower’ and ‘Remember’ which are 2 quality progressive metal tracks that combine great melody mixed with musical light and shade and the ever impressive vocals of Martin LeMar. The keyboards of Oliver Schwickert have been notched up a tad compared to ‘Mirror II’ and this is of benefit to the new material working incredibly well with the punchy guitar work of Rainer Grund which suggests the next album will be something truly special indeed. The EP is rounded out with new recording of tracks from the bands back catalogue in ‘Success (2007)’ and ‘Not From The World (2007)’. The former is riff heavy and menacing whilst the later is mainly pian
o led and atmospheric and again showcases LeMar’s vocals to fine effect. Overall a very tidy little package and a good starting point (given the low price) for anyone that has yet to sample Tomorrow’s Eve own personal take on the prog metal genre.
Rating - 88%
Tomorrow’s Eve / The Tower
Lion Music / May 2007
4 tracks / 22:18
At the end of my review of Tomorrow’s Eve’s last album “Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II” I wrote that I had the feeling that the band’s best was yet to come and this 4-track single proves me right. This single ties in with the finalisation of a European tour with Circle II Circle, but is also meant as a tease for the band’s upcoming full-length album. Songs like “The Tower” and “Remember” show a slightly darker and more aggressive side to this German progmetal band, but one that ‘s very more-ish. Also featured are new versions of two older songs, viz “Success” and “Not From This World”. If this is an indication of what we might expect from the band later this year (I hope), then Lion Music have another ace upon their sleeve. To be continued! (CL)
http://www.t-eve.com
review from www.mindview.be
| Tomorrow’s Eve - The Tower (Lion Music) By: Joe Florez www.live4metal.com
This is a 4 track CD single to tie over fans until their next offering. Their last release, Mirror Of Creation II was the first time that I had heard of this German progressive metal outfit and they just absolutely blew my mind. Now, they are giving the fans a small glimpse into their world and let you know where they are headed with their music. There are two new cuts and two re-workings of older songs that are upgraded to what they have become now. The title track shows a much more aggressive sound from the boys. Martin’s voice starts out subtle and calm as he sings accapella with only ambient soundscapes to accompany him, but then the rhythmic drumming comes into play and soon enough things get amped up.
The guitars are fierce and the vocals are leaner and meaner. Just because the song gets a little ugly, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will become devoid of melodies because it doesn’t. They are there intact, but just now happen to share notes with a darker vibe. It’s not overly complicated and it’s paced just right. It’s vibrant and energetic without ever losing interest. Thrown into the mix is some classic 70’s rock style keyboard work, but has a bit more of an edge and it works out nicely. “Remember” is basically a power ballad of sorts. This one brings down the house like no other. Martin’s set of lungs really shines through as he croons his way with emotion and conviction. Everyone else plays their parts perfectly going with the flow from slow to bombastic in the choruses. It’s at the half way point where things really get going and head in the prog route, but then get back to the beginning again. Simply put…powerful! “Success 2007” is just a blazing number that runs the gamut and refuses to hold back. This track is revamped up from their debut and even though I have never heard it, I’m more than positive that this is much better and more mature. The final track on here is “Not Of This World 2007” which is a true ballad accompanied by a piano and a soft female vocalist to trade off on. There is some tympani and string work to make this one majestic and beautiful.
I am not one to indulge in CD singles, but this is a must have and a keeper. I have no idea what’s in store for the next disc, but if this is any indication then I am chomping at the bit and waiting anxiously for it. Get it!
www.lionmusic.com | www.t-eve.com
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TOMORROW’S EVE ‘The Tower’ (EP 2007) Lion Music www.lionmusic.com
Following on from last year’s ‘Mirror Of Creation II’ the band are releasing this four track EP to tide fans over until their next album. The two all new songs, the title track and ‘Remember’ are enjoyable epic filled tunes with gentle piano one minute and then massive guitars the next. Like last year’s rather good album they remind you of Queensryche and Savatage. Also on here are two updated versions of ‘Success’ and the beautiful piano led ‘Not From This World’ which features Jenny Kloos guesting on vocals.
Roll on the new album is all I can say!
****
Jason Ritchie
www.getreadytorock.com
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TOMORROW'S EVE - Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II
Lion Music
Release Date: 2006-09-22
by: GEORGE FUSTOS
Email: george@metalexpressradio.com www.metalexpressradio.com
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 Lion Music, a label out of Finland, has brought out yet another fine Progressive Metal release. It turns out that if you are a fan of this particular genre (Progressive Metal) then you don’t have to look any further than Lion music. They have been signing bands and releasing some of the finest Progressive and Melodic Metal music over the last few years. It appears that with Tomorrow’s Eve they may have hit a home run.
Tomorrow’s Eve was founded in 1998 in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Interestingly enough, this band has had a different line-up for each of its studio album releases: three releases to date. Here is a quick discography summary for Tomorrow’s Eve ... 1999 - The Unexpected World, the band’s first album was composed and recorded at the Bazement (Basement) Studios in Wiesbaden, Germany, and before long they got a deal with the label B. Mind Records in Berlin, Germany. The release came in October 2000 with the official line-up (according to the album) consisting of the following musicians: Peter Webel (vocals), Rainer Grund (guitars), Oliver Schwickert (keyboards), Sascha Hilles (bass), and Ralf Gottlieb (drums). Tomorrow’s Eve surprised everyone with this debut album and were hailed as the new German Prog Metal sensations. The second album, Mirror Of Creation, began in mid-2001 and was completed by the end of that year. It was recorded April through June 2002, again at the Bazement (Basement) Studios, and was officially released in March/April of 2003. In June 2002, Ralf and Sascha decided to leave the band because of personal stress. In September 2002, Peter became another casualty. Replacements needed to come quickly as possible, and Peter was replaced right away, as luck would have it. His replacement was a vocalist named Rouven Bitz. A new line-up (consisting of Rainer Grund, Oliver Schwickert, and Rouven Bitz) for Tomorrow’s Eve was complete, according to the band. When playing live, they would find guest musicians to take on the bass and drum responsibilities. By this time, B. Mind Records discontinued production and Tomorrow’s Eve had to find a new label. Again, lady luck played part in their fate and Mirror Of Creation was released on TWS-Source Of Deluge (SOD) Records in 2003. By the time Tomorrow’s Eve finished creating Mirror Of Creation, it turned into a 70-minute concept album. The band’s line-up changed slightly by replacing Sascha Hilles with Rene Muller on bass. Ralf was replaced with Oliver Jungmann on drums for a very short while who eventually left to join Demons Seed sometime in 2003. It turns out that Oliver Jungmann and Rene Muller had other aspirations and the new rhythm section turned out to be Chris Doerr on bass and Tom Diener on drums. In November 2004, a new vocalist named Martin LeMar began to rehearse songs with Tomorrow’s Eve. It was just a matter of time before he completed the band. To put it mildly, a lot went on with Tomorrow’s Eve from the time they released their debut album to the time they started working on their third and most recent album.
The band’s latest and highly anticipated follow-up is Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II, released on September 22, 2006 by Lion Music. The new album was mixed and recorded at SU-2 Studios in Illingen, Germany. It also has guest vocalist Jennie Kloos appearing on 2 tracks, and guest keyboard player Vivien Lalu and special guest appearance by Joshua Grund taking part in a respective track as well.
This answered some of the questions placed upon them by the band's response with Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II. Whether or not Tomorrow’s Eve has progressed or gotten better from MOC to MOC 2 is something that has been debated by many already. The fact is that you can’t say any other than the band sounds different than they did previously. That’s it! Bottom line! With all the personnel shuffling, turmoil, and revamping going on over the years, how can you accurately assess and answer the question on whether or not the band has progressed? If you change musicians (especially as often as Tomorrow’s Eve does), you are going to get a different sound. When Tomorrow’s Eve comes out with two or three releases in a row with the same line-up of musicians, only then can their progression be accurately assessed. As far as talent is concerned, they are all good musicians and have complemented each other nicely to produce good sounding albums.
Focusing on the musical aspects of Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II, there is one thing that stands out right away and takes the band to the next level -- the addition of Martin LeMar. He without doubt brought new life into Tomorrow’s Eve with his powerful, aggressive, and intense singing voice. The band retained its heaviness, if not turned it up a bit. The album is your typical Progressive Metal style, being melodic at times and heavy at others. It has a great overall sound from beginning to end. There's really no comparison of this band to the others out there. It is Progressive Metal … what else is there to say other than it’s a concept album sequel to a concept album. It has all the ingredients of a good Prog Metal LP: heavy bass, impressive drumming with equally noticeable cymbal work, synthesized keyboards that are intense as well as mellow when fitting, and the same can be said for the piano work, strong powerful vocals that take charge, killer shredding on the guitar, heavy riffs, mind-blowing solos at all levels -- all being played by talented musicians. Albeit that Rainer Grund is no John Petrucci, and Chris Doerr is no John Myung … one can see where this is going ... in the end, if you like this particular genre of music, go out and treat yourself to a new experience!
For more information about the band or label (remember they sign lots of good Prog Metal bands), check out these sites:
Tomorrow’s Eve Web site
Myspace Web site for MOC
Lion Music Web site
To contact by E-mail: info@t-eve.com or info@tomorrows-eve.de
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| Tomorrow's Eve - Mirror Of Creation 2: Genesis II (8,5/10) - Germany - 2006 |
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Genre: Progressive Metal
Label: Lion Music
Playing time: 68:41
Band homepage: Tomorrow's Eve
Tracklist:
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Man Without A Name
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Amnesia
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Pain
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The Eve Suite
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The Market Of Umbra
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Not From This World
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Eye For An Eye
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Irreversible
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Distant Murmurs
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Rebirth
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The Human Device
- The Trials Of Man
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Lion’s Music has been a victim of releasing some clunkers this past summer. Some instances would include FROM BEHIND and HAUTEVILLE just to name a couple. They didn’t live to the expectations that LM has been known for which is pumping out talented Progressive music from around the world. Well the turn for the worst has just gotten better with a nice surprise from TOMORROW’S EVE. I have never heard of the band, but was pleasantly surprised at what these guys are capable of. This is the groups third serving and this is a continuing story that began somewhat on numero uno and continued on their sophomore effort that left some questions unanswered which will all now come full circle here.
“Amnesia” is a very strong beginning track as we are treated to some fine musicianship as everyone gets down with their musical instruments. Neo classical keyboards float around on the composition, but never drowning out the other folks. A technical rhythm section is exploited here as the drums are performed flawlessly with some difficult time changes and as for the guitar work, forget about it. It is supreme. Martin LaMar’s voice is top notch as he is able to project through the speakers with greatness. It’s strong, manly and full of conviction much in the way that Tomas Englund’s from EVERGREY is. This may be mid paced, but filled with excitement and unpredictability.
“Pain” just absolutely goes for the throat as everything gets beefed up ten fold with quick feet work on the double bass drumming and the six stringers have more oomph in them. The thing that remains consistent here is the professionalism as it never gets sloppy or loses identity. The neo classical elements remain intact and are utilized, but used in moderation. “The Eve Suite” is the second longest epic tune on here and it’s a mixed bag of power ballad and heaviness that is all mixed in a cauldron very well. It never leaves you bored. Only intrigued. The first half of the disc is pretty straight forward without getting quirky until we hit “Not From This World” which gets down with the funky Jazz fusion and adds some atmospheric moments. However, it remains a joy to hear as it won’t deter you unlike other undreground artists in this genre. In the end, what the guys have released is nothing short of breath taking as you are taken on a whirlwind of sounds that are always fresh and original. There is a perfect blend of past meeting the present and taking the music to new dimensions. It’s loud, passionate, angry and in the end… it’s supreme!
(Online November 27, 2006)
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TOMORROW'S EVE - MIRROR OF CREATION 2 - GENESIS II (B+/B) Lion Music,
2006
12 tracks (13th hidden), RT: 68:48
Prog metal is everywhere these days and Tomorrow's Eve are here to throw their hat in the ring with a powerful follow-up to 2003's MIRROR OF CREATION. Starting off with an Evergrey-styled intro the band launch into the decidedly Dream Theater-inspired crunch of "Amnesia," showing a strong grasp of expected prog metal skills. Next up is "Pain" and here we are treated to a heavier animal, new vocalist Martin LeMar (Lalu) especially good at conveying aggression with intensity. A few average tracks ensue but then we are introduced to the truly excellent "The Market Of Umbra," with a riff to die for and some emotionally satisfying vocals from LeMar. Female vocals appear on "Not From This World" and honestly this is beginning to sound just a bit cliched, but it's done well and does provide some sonic variation. Another killer riff hits us on "Irreversible" and there is some really skillful and spirited playing on tracks like "Human Device" and epic closer "The Trials Of Man." The production is OK but a bit raw and I can't help thinking I've heard a lot of this before but Tomorrow's Eve play with such fire and conviction that you can forgive some of the similarity in sound to their peers. I suspect Tomorrow's Eve would be a killer band to see live and I look forward to hearing them progress on subsequent albums. Good stuff with lots of potential...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
Tomorrow's Eve
Mirror of Creation 2 Lion Music
Comments: They are promoted as very heavy, very melodic and very accessible, and the truth is, that is certainly an accurate assessment. This record is the continuation of the last one Mirror of Creation released in 2003. After much tension among the band, the band has been reassembled with only Rainer Grund and Oliver Scwickert remaining.
The concept of these albums according to the band’s Lion Music site is: "A man wakes up in a dirty alley with no idea who he is. He is badly hurt and taken to a hospital, and soon enough, everyone has given up on trying to find out more about his identity - everyone except for one doctor. She takes him in and tries to help him remember. Yet, the more he remembers, the less he wants to. As certain fragments of his past finally return to him, he understands the he was no ordinary man, that he grew up as part of an experiment which he himself then brought to a bloody end and the doctor who is taking care of him, may have been involved.” Kind of sounds like the Operation Mindcrime themes of Queesryche doesn’t it?
The focus here musically on the follow up Mirror of Creation 2- Genesis II seems to be powerful vocals above everything else. And with new lead singer Martin LeMar, Tomorrow’s Eve succeeds in this respect for sure. The guitars are handled by Grund and consist of power metal riffing throughout as well as several well timed progressive metal guitar leads. The lead work is best seen on tracks six “Not from This World” and nine “Distant Murmurs.” Heavy as much of it is there are the traditional progressive metal elements like outstanding keyboards from Oliver Schwickert which can be seen pure bass guitar from Chris Doerr and solid drumming of Tom Diener. But the songs are framed for Le Mar to star and he steps up big time.
On track four “The Eve Suite” which has five sub parts in it, the keys act as almost a piano at times in a slow song and LeMar has to sing both rock and soft rock vocals. His sounds range from Geoff Tate sounding metal vocals to classic Yes vocalist Jon Anderson's higher pitched range. The production quality is good and the length is prototypical progressive metal style of over an hour of music. The last track “The Trials of Man” is 17 minutes long and covers a lot of musical territory. It has soft tones with piano, killer shred lead guitar work, powerful riffs and LeMar belting out wonderful vocals. Twelve minutes in there is silence for about four minutes, then at 16 minutes a rock piano rhythm emerges from the darkness 'til the end of the song.
Folks, this is an interesting musical journey that fans of progressive rock and metal should enjoy. A little more lead guitar would be nice from Grund, but the times he does approach solos they are well done. This album is less than spectacular but better then most.
Band Lineup:
Martin LeMar - vocals
Rainer Grund - guitars
Oliver Schwickert - keys
Chris Doerr - bass
Tom Diener – drums
Track Listing:
01 - Man Without A Name (0:46)
02 - Amnesia (6:33)
03 - Pain (3:25)
04 - The Eve Suite (9:00)
I) A Gentle Light
II) Shelter And Hope
III) Days Turn Into Weeks
IV) Eve
05 - The Market Of Umbra (4:48)
06 - Not From This World (4:14)
07 - Eye For An Eye (0:59)
08 - Irreversible (4:56)
09 - Distant Murmurs (5:31)
10 - Rebirth (5:44)
11 - Human Device (5:45)
12 - The Trials Of Man (17:00)
HRH Rating: 7.6/10
| Tomorrow’s Eve – Mirror Of Creation 2 ~ Genesis II
Tracklist: Man Without A Name (0:46), Amnesia (6:33), Pain (3:25), The Eve Suite (9:00), The Market Of Umbra (4:48), Not From This World (4:14), Eye For An Eye (0:59), Irreversible (4:56), Distant Murmurs (5:31), Rebirth (5:44), Human Device (5:45), The Trials Of Man (17:00)
Three years after Mirror Of Creation (reviewed by colleague Andy Read), the German prog rock band Tomorrow’s Eve continue their concept with this new album. Musically and lyrically there are obvious ties to the first album and a few questions that were left open by the Mirror Of Creation album are answered on this new release. For readers who do not know this band, they play true classical progressive metal with obvious musical links to bands like Evergrey, POS, Poverty’s No Crime and Queensrÿche, in short: very heavy at times, very melodic but also very accessible. Since the first two albums the line-up of the band has changed, leaving only Rainer Grund (guitar) and Oliver Schwickert (keys) as original members. Later on Tom Diener (drums) and Chris Doerr (bass guitar) joined the band until Martin LeMar (vocals) finally completed the new Tomorrow’s Eve in 2004. Two years later the band found in Lion Music a new label and so they are back with an impressive concept album.
The CD kicks off with a typical prog metal track filled with staccato riffs, melodic vocals, piano parts and lots of musically interesting solos, clearly stating the band’s influences, like POS, Vanden Plas, Symphony X and Ivory Tower. The first memorable song is called The Eve Suite, a track with a rather spooky musical atmosphere, lots of rhythm changes and this is also the first song where singer Le Mar reminds me of Geoff Tate, the lead vocalist of Queensrÿche. The two tracks that follow also sound like that famous Seattle band, mainly due to the female voice in a song Not From This World.
Eye For An Eye is a piano and vocal intermezzo before the band continues with its rather familiar prog metal sound. Especially a song like Irreversible brings back memories of the fantastic Promised Land album. Sometimes the band goes over the top, as in Human Device, a song that really makes your head spin around and around… After five songs the music of Tomorrow’s Eve is getting a bit too familiar and the musical diversity starts to fade away. But the band saves the best for last as they end this CD with the epic (17 minute) The Trials Of Man. A piano intro is followed by lots of heavy guitar riffs and shreds, before the vocal parts come in and make this song really bombastic and dramatic. Of course you can also enjoy some really good guitar and keyboard solos during this song, but after 11 minutes the music fades away, leaving the listener with 5 minutes of bloody silence at the end. How original, please give me a break here, why end this rather good prog metal album in such a boring and also predictable way????
As it is a concept album I will give you all a short summary of the story, which kind of reminds me of an Ayreon story… A man wakes up in a dirty alley with no clue who he is, and where he is. He is badly hurt and he is taken to hospital. Nobody seems to be missing him and after a while everyone had given up on trying to find more about his identity. A certain doctor however takes him in and tries to help him to remember. However the more he remembers the less he wants to. As certain fragments finally return to him he understands that he was no ordinary man. He grew up as part of an experiment which he brought to a bloody end by himself. The doctor who takes care of him, may also have been involved, so how is this going to end…..
Enjoy the story but most of all enjoy the music as this CD is a must for prog metal lovers!
Conclusion: 8.5 out of 10
MARTIEN KOOLEN www.dprp.net
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Tomorrow’s Eve - Mirror Of Creation 2 – Genesis II
Lion Music
file under Prog/sympho metal
 Winston: A mysterious intro opens the second album of Tomorrow's Eve. After the well-received debut album 'The Unexpected World' the German based band steered into dire straits but after the recruitment of three new members they were able to restart the band in time. New singer Martin Le Mar is a true discovery and shines on 'Mirror Of Creation', a conceptual album, you know, an album with a storyline.
Concept albums are common these days in progrock and metal and that threatens the originality. I often wonder where I have heard or read certain storyparts before but fortunately the music is what it's really about. The ferocity and strongness of this album is what surprised me. Sure there the ever present Dream Theater like breaks but Tomorrow's Eve offers more than just that. I detect some old style Vicious Rumors even I swhat I realize while I'm writing this review. In the album concept it is expected to shift between heavy and calmer songs and that is also the case here. Singer LeMar keeps it all together really fine and in 'Not From This World' a female singer called Jenny Klos (Cheeno) accompanies him and that sounds really nice. A concept album often offers a central piece of music and yep, also present here; 'The Eve Suite' (of nine minutes) but also with 'The Trials Of Man'. Last mentioned song with seventeen minutes is the album closer even. An album the band can be proud of and so the fans will be too.
Rating: 85/100 (details) www.lords-of-metal.nl
http://www.tomorrows-eve.de
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Germany's Tomorrow's Eve went through a huge lineup change after releasing their 2003 album Mirror of Creation, an ambitious sci-fi concept album. With the exception of guitarist Rainer Grund and keyboardist Oliver Schwickert, the band has now a completely new rhythm section and a new singer. This is the highly anticipated successor to their well-received Mirror of Creation, as the story picks up right where the first disc left off.
