Greece's Tears have created a diversified demo here, on their second attempt, which encompasses many elements for prog music lovers to catch.

'Things Imaginary' is a beautiful and melancholic piece of prog rock. At first, piano and acoustic guitar produce calm moodiness, which soon grows with voice, drums and bass. This semi-acoustic song is my favourite, its mood changes from fragile to flush truly speak to my soul. Three-part 'Self Destruction' (the first one being intro) drags things into metal territory, as the song includes bits from prog rock to power metal. However, the restrictions of production begin to show on heavier parts, as they lack of power. The song itself is somewhat difficult to follow, but the music does portray the lyrics, and there are same verses and choruses used throughout the song. 'Self Destruction Part III' is more melancholic piece again, and quite good as such, channeling the mood nicely. 'Time Master' is a straightforward power metal songs with symphonic elements, but happens to be badly made, as a composition and it's also badly made. I simply don't like the song, it offers nothing new, like the rest of the material sometimes does. The demo ends with an outro and a meaningless hidden track.

There are two vocalists, and the guesting one is a better singer, even though I don't like his heavy use of vibration in his voice. The band's mastermind Matagos Yannis isn't able to sing very well, his voice is too monotonous. Sound-wise this is clean and good, but as mentioned, those heavier parts reveal the demo nature of the sound, as they re powerless, and also muffled.

'Falling Certainty' offers many elements, but feels too diverse for my liking. Also, some of the songs aren't that good, or catchy. I still encourage prog fans who like theirs melancholic, to check Tears out. 'Things Imaginary' alone is worth it.

Reviewed by Lane
04/09/2006 19:04