More Info: www.sanity.nl
Verdict: Solid Progressive Metal (70%)
Sanity are a Dutch progressive metal band that play "straightforward symphonic, melodic rock with a touch of metal". In common with their Demo release from 2003 this package features both video and audio components - in this case a DVD of video footage from a concert recorded in late 2004 and an audio CD of the soundtrack.
On the DVD side of things we get some straightforward footage of the band on stage during a concert. It gives the impression that it is more a group of people watching the video being shot rather than a camera recording a "proper gig". No matter, it provides the faces and actions behind the music.
After an atmospheric symphonic start to proceedings, the first proper track, "No One Sleeps Tonight", reveals the progressive metal style of the band which is part Dream Theater and part Queensryche with the keyboards edging more toward progressive rock than progressive metal. On top of this foundation the singer puts in an emotional performance as he swoops and soars. The closest comparison probably being David Bowie. The band maintain this style throughout with only a few tracks diverging from the formula. For example, "Lonely At The World", starts life as a slow ballad but develops into pomp-metal similar to either Magnum or Demon. For me the band seem to really hit their stride on the two final tracks "Together As One" and "Victims". In some of the other tracks the music feels 'constrained', yet on these tracks the band seem to play with more passion and, for example, the lead guitarist makes more of an impression.
Sanity, given the obvious constraints imposed by self recording and releasing a album, have created an effective showcase for their talents. The next step for the band now must surely be to ather together a set of songs of the quality of "Together As One" & "Victims" and release a full studio album.
