Odyssey

This band is yet another of those great bands that suffer from the "too little material" syndrome. In fact, the only reason I am not giving this band a 90+ score is because I don't know if these 3 tracks were just a fluke. One chance to see how this band would hold out in a full-lenght and I'll be the first in line.

One thing is fore sure, this EP is 20 minutes of pure prog goodness. Seriously, you've got nothing to lose for getting this album. I doubt you can find any better ways to spend 20 minutes.
This EP feels like Swanö's chance at truly shining in the vocals department. Don't get me wrong, he always was a good vocalist, but he truly shines here. And that doesn't stop him from doing a competent drum work.

Every single riff is very well arranged. The strong riffing is complimented by a melodic keyboard base (which makes up for the absence of bass). In fact, the idea of using keyboards to replace bass is actually a very interesting one but requires a considerable amount of talent and taste to pull off.

The whole thing has a very Egytptian-esque atmosphere (even though the only lyrics that are directly influenced by Egyptian mythos are the ones for Amon-Ra) and the whole songwriting is very influenced by Egyptian mythology which is a nice change from the hordes of Greek mythology inspired lyrics that seem to dwell in the prog scene.

So, with a band this good, what makes the man who seeks to have more bands than Senmuth has albums put it on hold for 10 years? Well, I have no idea. But I suggest that Mr.Swanö drops whatever the hell it is your doing and get your ass back to this band. A full lenght is 10 years on due.

This little one-off project of Dan Swano's is enough to make any metalhead go apeshit. This MCD is full of great hooks, catchy melodies and unbelievable vocals. Featuring a somewhat Middle Eastern tinge, the guitar sound is spectacular; it is thick, clear and crushing. I guess I'd call this NWOBHM, but I really don't know how to categorize it. It's Swano.

Unlike many Swano projects where he's the only writing talent (as is demonstrated by songs not written by him on the album sucking *coughInfernalcough*), everyone does a great job here. "Lord K," Kenth, provides some great heavy metal songwriting here, though I don't much care for any of his other projects.

The greatest part about this album is the vocals. Swano does something that we haven't heard him do before or ever again, and that's belt out truly inspired heavy metal vocals. He usually tends to sound kind of mumbly and... uh... holding it in, if that makes sense. Here, however, he lets loose, belting out powerful, inspired vocals that drive the music more than any other element of the music.

The lyrical content is themed in fantasy, specifically Egyptian mythology, and, well, I don't know if it's that interesting or not. It's all about the music for me, and Odyssey fuckin' delivers in that department.