This American band has made something different of their debut album. That is, in the progressive genre. The songs are very compact (3-4 minutes) with only one song approaching 7 minutes and the title piece of 11 minutes and 50 seconds. The style is hardrock/ metal with a prominent place for keyboards and classic influences. One song has an eastern structure and feel. The words coming into mind when listening to the album are: complex, swinging (!), atmosphere, smart lyrics, modern, original. The production is very "nineties" (loud and clear). The instruments used on this album are the standard progressive tools like guitars, bass, drums and keyboards, with a guest musician playing the cello. The vocals are done by a leadsinger and four other members take care of the backing vocals. The only thing that they should change (in my opinion) is the use of the vocals. I think they don't need the effects. I especially want to mention the title track. This is absolutely the highlight of the album, with a facinating story about heaven and hell. Also nice to mention is the wish of Black Symphony (according to an interview in the Dutch rock/ metal magazine "Aardschok") to make a great concept album like Pink Floyd's "The Wall" once. We're waiting, gentlemen...