Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Alchemy X
Title
11:59:59
Type
LP/EP
Company
Unisound Records
YOR
2002
Style
Progressive
7/8/2003 - Review by: Josh Greer
Alchemy X - 11:59:59 - Unisound Records - 2002 reviewed by: Agent of Steel

Track Listing
1. Shifting Images
2. Kiss Before Death
3. Renaissance
4. The Dance
5. Penance
6. Reverie
7. Interlude (more real than real)
8. Space Between Walls
9. Beyond the Veil of Sorrow
10. Looking Glass
11. 11:59:59
12. Afterimage
13. The Dance (reprise)
Normally, I'm not one to jump on every Prog-Rock/Metal album that gets released. But, being an avid Attacker/Vyndykator fan, I had to check out "11:59:59". A concept album about the final hours of a contract killer as he lays dying, told in 1st person flash-back sequence.

Bob Mitchell's vocals are more diverse than ever on this release. You may find yourself saying out loud "That's Bob Mitchell?!" when treating yourself to this Alchemy X masterpiece. Instead of the usual screams, and unique vocal approaches I've grown to love, Mitchell is actually singing on this! In fact, he does whatever style the music to "11:59:59" calls for, quite convincingly.

Musically, this album has enough technical moments to please even the most die-hard Progressive fan, yet stays memorable enough for fans of Mitchell's previous work. Well, those with an open mind that is. From beautiful/atmospheric keyboard pieces to bone shattering grooves, compliments from 7-String wielding axe-men Chris Fox, Rob Schreiber and Steve Ratchen (yes, a 7-string bass player, YIKES!). Chris Scorsesse's drum-work is nothing short of amazing as he lays down any beat to the often "off-timed" musicianship that "11:59:59" offers. "11:59:59" may not have as slick of a production as "A Delicate Balance", but I think the newest production job is best. It's more warm and live sounding, giving the album more character and keeping my interest far longer. Also straying from the more "modern" sound that "A Delicate Balance" had to make it stand on its own. This one is more like a newer Progressive album, but keeping a more 70's/80's vibe (while still having a few modern "sprinkles" here and there) and not trying to copy an already successful band like Dream Theatre.

I wish Alchemy X all the best and hopefully they'll continue down this path with the next AX release.


--Agent of Steel 7.6.03
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: ALCHEMY X
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
11:59:59
2002
Unisound Records
Josh Greer7/8/2003
-
A Delicate Balance
1999
BMI
Josh Greer7/8/2003
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: ALCHEMY X
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
Bob Mitchell, Steve RatchenJosh Greer8/22/2003


<< back >>