Second X-Panda CD that made it into my player. And like first time around, I find myself pretty impressed by the album. But since it has been 5 years since that album, a few things have changed. Bass player Tamar Nugis now functions as the full time vocalist and Roland Jairus is added to take over on the low end. Not sure about all the other guys, although I am fairly sure that Kaarel Tamra on keys was around first time as well.
Style wise this another slab of prog that ventures into metal and a dash of fusion. But what has stayed are songs and melodies that are impossible to resist and make it once again easy to connect to the album. Nugis has a pleasant voice so I don’t mind him taking centre stage. Especially since Jairus isn’t a slouch either. Opener The Game will conquer you in a heartbeat. What a great opener and addictive song. Denial is a great epic (12+ minutes) that never tires. On The Way is full of great playing and a prime example of intricate fusion arrangements. Several songs are graced with the company of the Tartu University Symphony Orchestra. Thus creating an even more impressive audio palette.
So I guess it is fair to say that the 5 years have been worth it. Fans of the genre should not hesitate and buy it on sight.
