DIVIDED MULTITUDE - INNER SELF - 1999

"Inner Self" is Divided Multitude's first full-length release, and reveals the playing- and the excellent songwriting skills of this debuting Norwegian band. Neo-classical influences combined with more symphonic characteristics make the music very diverse. Bands like Pantera, Symphony X and Iron Maiden seem to have influenced Divided Multitude, but the progressive-symphonic side of the music clearly shows influences from great bands like Yes and Genesis. The two guitarists power the very heavy progressive metal with Symphony X- and Pantera like riffs. Old-school keyboard solos, emotional layers and the powerful tight rhythm section is skillfully performed. The singer, not sounding too impressing, together with the moderate production is the only notable drawbacks. Although, the overall grade is effected, the often heavy and very innovative songs make the final grade very good. The 10 tracks total 73 minutes, with seven of them exceeding 7 minutes in playtime. Certain highlights are the heavy 'Heart of the Moment', 'Tale of Tomorrow', 'Mirror's Eye' and the last epic 'Scream in Silence'. "Inner Self" is an exciting debut by Divided Multitude, which will and does please a big crowd.
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