THE PROGRESSIVE SOULS COLLECTIVE – Sonic Birth

Sonic Birth is the debut record from The Progressive Souls Collective. The project is the brainchild of guitarist Florian Zepf. Zepf recruited some of the top progressive musicians in the world to take part. The lineup includes Vladimir Lalic, vocals, Aquiles Priester (ex-Angra & Tony MacAlpine), drums, Conner Green (Haken), bass, Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater, O.S.I., Chroma Key), loops and programming, Luis Conte (Phil Collins, others), percussion, and Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, Ex-Dream Theater), keyboards.

Sonic Birth features 11 songs and runs about 63 minutes. All of the songs on the record are well written and well produced. The musicianship is exceptional, as one would expect with this roster. Because of this, if you are a Progressive Rock and Progressive metal fan, you will know exactly what to expect, although there are a few surprises. The addition of Luis Conte gives some of the material a World Music flavor. The intro on track three, “Killing True Beliefs” is a good example. Lalic’s vocals call to mind a variety of influences, including James LaBrie, and at times, Freddie Mercury.

Overall, Sonic Birth has a large palette of textures and flavors, from the heaviest and most complex to the subtle and evocative. Therefore, if you like Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Dream Theater, Sons Of Apollo, or any of the other bands represented by these musicians, you should check this record out.

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