Band:	Time Requiem
Album:	The Inner Circle Of Reality
Style:	Progressive metal
Release date:	2004

01. Reflections
02. The Inner Circle Of Reality
03. Dreams Of Tomorrow
04. Attar Of Roses
05. Definition Of Insanity
06. Quest Of A Million Souls
07. Hidden Memories
08. Bach Prelude Variation

Time Requiem is one of the new projects of gifted Swedish keyboard player Richard Andersson. The same line-up was formerly known as Majestic, but Richard though they wanted to change their musical style and so they changed the name of the band and sign a deal with a new label, Regain Records. The band is Apollo Papathanasio [vocals], Magnus Nordh [guitars], Jonas Reingold [bass, also producer and known for his work with prog band The Flower Kings], Zoltan Csorz [drums] and Richard [also involved with Adagio and another project Space Odyssey]. "The Inner Circle Of Reality" is their second opus as Time Requiem, following their self titled debut CD released in 2002.

I had a surprise when I first listen to 'Reflections', I though I accidentally received a Symphony X's release instead. I checked the CD three times to be sure I wasn't in a total delirium, but no. So basically, first track 'Reflections' you put it at the end of 'V: The New Mythology Suite' of Symphony X and you have a bonus track. Same voice, same type of melodies, some keyboard sound, even the solos I would have sworn it was Michael Romeo. It's a very fine song but really disturbing for me as it really sounds like a remake of the opening track of the aforementioned album. So, next time Richard wants to change the name of the band, I suggest Euro Symphony.

The title track is an epic and powerful composition, full of variations and a little bit laid back from Symphony X's style, but not much! The rest of the album is more original than the two opening numbers. Even if 'Dreams Of Tomorrow' is not fully a surprise by being the mandatory ballad, it has some good elements and avoid to be too cheesy. 'Attar Of Roses' justify the term "requiem" in the name of the band as the keys really sound like a requiem. It's not the best track but remains an honest composition. At least it doesn't sound like a Michael Romeo rip off?

The best moment on "The Inner Circle Of Reality" has to be 'Definition Of Insanity' with its catchy chorus and very progressive opening. 'Hidden Memories' has some too obvious Dream Theater influences but if you can forgive that, it's also a remarkable song. As a closing track, a short Bach prelude revisited by Richard Andersson, just in case you weren't already fed up with keyboards.

With "The Inner Circle Of Reality", Time Requiem could earn a respectable status as a Prog band if you ignore their too close resemblance to Symphony X and even Dream Theater on some songs. Interesting work nonetheless, this album has to be avoided if you already suffer from keyboards overdose or if you're keyboard-sick. Apart from that, it's an honest release from an honest band albeit exceptional keyboard lines.