Circus Maximus, who hail from Norway, may be a new band but they certainly have a borrowed sound and partially because of this 'The 1st Chapter' very nearly got a bad review. Why I here you ask? Well when this album first arrived on my doormat I’d just spent the best part of two weeks listening to the new Dream Theater record and Circus Maximus initially struck me as simply a poor copy of said band (just count the number of times Dream Theater get mentioned in the course of this review and you will get the picture). However it’s amazing the difference a couple of weeks can makes and it just goes to show how a much of an impact a little investment of time can have. I still say that 'The 1st Chapter' is a Dream Theater album in all but name, especially as vocalist Michael Eriksen sounds a lot like James Labrie in places, but the songs are good, some may say “catchy” even.

Opening the album is 'Sin' a song which, whilst heavy, retains its melodic feel a la 'Pull Me Under' from the Dream Theater Images & Words album. Next up is 'Alive' that once again is reminiscent of a track from the aforementioned American progsters Images & Words album, this time the track in question being 'Another Day' . So two tracks in and my Dream Theater comparisons are holding true. However third song in we have  'Glory of The Empire which proves to be a stunning ten minute epic that starts off acoustically, with the added bonus of some Ian Anderson flute work, and then builds and builds before the vocals finally kick in.

Following this epic comes 'Biosphere, an instrumental number that contains more time changes than  a British rail timetable and shows the bands gingival talents off and then we get another acoustic lead ditty in the shape of 'Silence From Angels Above' that utilizes some nifty storm effects during the introduction and shows off the talents of Michael Eriksen to a 'T'. 'Why Am I Here?', such a philosophical question maybe, but in the hands of Circus Maximus it leads to a track that is almost thrashy in its opening and then, driven along by some exquisite double bass drumming and keyboards, goes all melodic on itself after a minute or so..

Think Empire era Queensryche and yo sort of get the stylings of 'The Prophecy' which combines elements from the classic Silent Lucidity with yet more Dream Theater inspired touches, this time reminiscent of Metropolis and then we come to Circus Maximus' nineteen odd minute prog epic that is 'The 1st Chapter' itself and is as overblown as one would expect from the prog epic epitaph. Rounding out the album is the European bonus track, 'Haunted Dreams', which is once again another  Dream Theater number and somehow detracts from what would have been the perfect finish to the album, not bad, but not good either...

It may sound clichéd to suggest that Circus Maximus are unoriginal, as most AOR/melodic metal bands are far from original under the best of circumstances, however with 'The 1st Chapter' the band are treading well worn pathways, although admittedly with a certain panache. As such if you happen to like the first two Dream Theater albums then this is most definitely an album you should invest in. It goes without saying that should Circus Maximus happen to land a support slot on the upcoming Dream Theater tour then they would go down a storm but somehow I can't help but think that the sales potential for Circus Maximus  could be a lot higher if it weren't competing with the new Dream Theater album that is also in the shops at the moment.

Let us know your views on 'The 1st Chapter'

Track List

Sin
Alive
Glory Of The Empire
Biosfear
Silence From Angels Above
Why Am I Here?
The Prophecy
The 1st Chapter
Haunted Dreams

Line Up

Michael Eriksen - Vocals, Guitar
Mats Haugen - Guitar
Truls Haugen - Drums
Glen Mollen - Bass
Espen Storo - Keyboards