Various Artists
Progressive DisDURPance Vol.2 - Die Ultimative Review Page (webzine)

March 2000
Released: 1999, Die Ultimative Review Page www.durp.com
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Rick

DURP. Die Ultimative Review Page. Markus Weis sent this CD to Metal Rules!! and EvilG gave me the task of doing a review. I am glad that he did. This CD contains 11 tracks from underground progressive rock/metal bands. DURP put this CD together as a way to get some exposure for the underground prog scene and there are bands from countries such as Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, USA, Austria, Switzerland and Estonia.



Without any further ado, lets get to the songs. Up first a band called Flamborough Head. Strange name for a band but there is nothing strange about their music. They hail from The Netherlands and kick off the CD with the track "Heroes", an 8 minute instrumental track that is full of interesting time changes and great guitar and keyboard passages. These guys have all the tools to make a name for themselves on the international stage. Instead of giving a track by track synopsis of the release I will point out which tracks are highlights. "From Where You Stand" is a strong track by Pittsburgh’s Third Voice. It contains a catchy guitar riff with some tasteful keyboards arrangements. This song is from their demo entitled "Reflections" which was released in 1998. Swedish band Twin Age contribute the song "Blinded" from their 1997 demo "Liliam High". Though not as powerful as some of the other songs on the CD it benefits from great piano playing, an absolutely awesome guitar solo and good vocals. Moonlit provided what, for me, was the highlight of "Progressive DisDURPance Vol.2", the track "Followed by a Memory". Moonlit are from Germany and recorded their first demo titled "Prologue to Prognosis" in 1994 under the name of Effigy. In 1997 the band had to change names as Effigy was already being used by an Australian band. Moonlit was the name that they chose and then the group released the demo "Elements" under their new moniker. Moonlit mix gothic and prog metal together to create a sound that is strangely appealing. Finally Moondaze chime in with the great tune "Life Will Live On". This track is the final section of a longer song called "Decision: Suicide" which can be found on their 1998 demo "Life Will Live On". This track contains some nice double bass drumming which adds some contrast to the mellowness of the song.



Overall this is a very good compilation. Markus Weis has produced a CD which has great sound quality overall and brings together a number of bands which are similar enough to give the CD a cohesiveness which is often lacking in compilation releases. It you would like to learn more about any of these bands or order the CD, it is available from the DURP website at http://www.durp.com