Queensryche/Dream Theater fans will definitively enjoy this third installment of this progressive metal band from Netherlands. Paul Adrian Villarreal – vocals & acoustic guitar, Marcel Coenen – lead & rhythm guitar, Rene Kroon – keyboards, Daniel Kohn – bass and Roel Van Helden – drums delivering a nice mixture of classic, traditional progressive rock/metal with heavy, powerful, strong modern metal infusions. Influences from Yes, Styx, Saga, Marillion and Kansas are present just like sounds of Fates Warning, VandenPlas, Dream Theater and Queensryche.
Formed by ex-Lemur Voice guitarist Marcel Coenen and drummer Dennis Leeflang in the spring of 1999, the style stated by the band on their 2000 demo was rather experimental, with the use of female vocals, death growls, with some melodic vocals and a touch of groove metal rawness. After the release of their 2003’s debut album the line up of Sun Caged changed considerably, Coenen being the only band member left from the original line up and the music grow into the more larger progressive area of metal.
And this merging of classic values with modern sound and a few modern rock and metal infusions seems to be the winning formula applied by Sun Caged, “The Lotus Effect” is a dynamic, groovy, ever-shifting, but still heavy, powerful journey with a few very intense and catchy moments.
Fans dissapointed by the late Queensryche for sure will be delighted by “The Lotus Effect”, as well as all the more traditional fans of progressive rock and metal will find it attractive.
Sun Caged – Official Site
Sun Caged @ MySpace
Sun Caged @ Facebook
Sun Caged @ Reverbnation
Lion Music
