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Tracklist: Backlight (19:24), Insomnia (4:49), Boys in the Window (3:38), Cassandra (29:21) 

25 Yard Screamer are a prog metal power trio consisting of Matt Clarke (acoustic and bass guitar), Nick James (acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard, vocals) and Donal Owen (acoustic and electric drums, percussions) Cassandra being their third release. They are a band that have passed me by, sounding like Rush, Marillion, Porcupine Tree and to some degree Metallica. Messer’s Clarke, James and Owen have produced a storming album which certainly falls into the premiership of prog metal. There is NO doubt about that, the album tracks Backlight and Cassandra are of epic proportion. The subject matter is very dark, brave and intriguing, but there is light at the end of the tunnel though and it’s not the front off an on coming train. Having just seen this band at the Progeny 3 festival, I can also confirm that they lose none of their intensity live, they are well worth seeing and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. 

The vocals that are presented throughout the album are more than a nod and a wink to the Steve Hogarth’ school of phrasing and Steve Rothery toned melodic guitar passages, but still retaining originality. I would say the band have been heavily influenced by Marillion’s Brave and Rush in how they also approach their musical structure. 

Backlight opens up the whole affair, its driving rhythms racing encased by Owen’s sublime drum work and Clarke’s pounding bass passages. James allows his guitar work to build emotional crescendo’s twisting and turning, building character. The double whammy happens when James’ perfectly toned vocals hit the stage. The subject matter is morbid, junkie, suicide! I’ll let you work it out, but it is very thought provoking, the word play alone will send a shiver down your spine. 

Insomnia has Owen’s signature drum beats and percussion work all over it, with atmospheric and moody guitar interludes perfectly positioned adding depth. The meter of the song is somewhat slower than Backlight but really does display Owen’s very accomplished talent. 

The Boy In The Window speeds things up having a modern spaghetti western type musical approach if that kind of makes sense. The guitar rhythm races along supported by Owen and Clarke, which you can imagine them having fun playing this, especially with its great chorus hook. Lyrically this track reminded me of Rush with its very clever word play. 

Cassandra is an epic piece of work and a brave topic to cover. 9/11 is never going to be an easy or fun subject but 25 Yard Screamer have taken a mature and intelligent approach to the subject and produced a magnificent track. The opening lapping waves and interview samples from victims are very touching, especially the lady describing how people were jumping from windows to escape. James’ keyboards builds atmosphere then G.W.Bush comments, “Today we’ve had a national tragedy”. James’ layered keyboards continue to lead the way for that great drum sound and some very interesting guitar patterns. The bass passages are to die for in places. This song structure here is very much in the vein of Rush and the melodies of Marillion, again the use of some very intelligent and emotional word structures really elevates this to the next level. Having listened to this track several times I can picture the scenes, such is the strength of this song. 

Although 25 Yard Screamer wear their influences on their chests, they have produced one damn fine album. This is an album full of all the glorious aspects we have come to love and expect from high quality prog metal, which doesn’t occur half as much as it should sadly. Its swirling melodies, soaring musical interludes, driving drum beats and crashing crescendos really do set the standards. Other bands need to sit up and pay attention to what has been created here, as the gauntlet has been thrown down. 

If I was to recommend that you buy just one prog metal album this year Cassandra is the one, no question. This can’t be my album of the year for obvious reasons, but it certainly is my find of the year. These Welsh boys have done themselves proud. Messer’s Owen, James and Clarke I tip my hat to you, and I look forward to our paths crossing in the future. People ignore this album at your own peril. This really is a MUST BUY album. 

Conclusion: 9.5 out of 10