Time Requiem
The Inner Circle Of Reality

December 2004
Released: 2004, Regain
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: JP

Year-end wrap-up: Each of the last few years to wrap up the year I have picked a theme for my reviews for December. This year due to the overwhelming number of CD’s that deserve exposure, recognition and commentary I am going to resort to quantity over quality. I usually try to give as much attention to each CD with extensive commentary however this month’s reviews (perhaps unfortunately) will be short and sweet and much more in the style of traditional magazine reviews where space restrictions are an important factor. (ie. Less detail) I apologize in advance to readers who expect much more detailed reviews. Please check the reviews archives as many of my colleagues have written excellent detailed commentary of many of these CD’s. I hope the large number of quick comments will help guide you making some of those important year-end CD purchase decisions. Happy Holidays and see you in January. JP



The ever-prolific Richard Andersson is back with the third Time Requiem CD. A couple of lineup changes finds a couple of dudes from the prog-rock act The Flower Kings joining and perhaps a very subtle shift to a more progressive sound. Of course the keyboards of Andersson are featured prominently in every song but that is a good thing.

Apollo is in fine form behind the microphone with one of those familiar and safe metal voices that sounds like a lot of other people but in a welcoming way. The guitars solos are elegant and understated compared to Andersson’s previous bands like Majestic and Space Odyssey. I like the debut CD slightly better but this is world-class prog metal with enough technical flair for the prog guys and enough balls for the metal guys. The perfect band for an elaborate concept album.