Outworld isn't just one of those average prog metal bands, like Dream Theater (their post Scenes From A Memory albums anyway). Their sound is very distinct; one of the heaviest power/prog bands in existence, even heavier than Symphony X's Paradise Lost. Most songs feature crushing riff fests, nice, smooth basslines, and constant double bass. And of course, the guitar work is top-notch. Rusty Cooley's solo album was a wank-fest, which worried me that this album would feature endless guitar solos, but I was pleasantly surprised that the guitar solos were used very conservatively throughout the album, and would generally feature very melodic approaches. Album highlights include the melodic-induced Riders, the slower, yet powerful Outworld, and the insane, ridiculous soloing in the Grey Tide.
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