Mention the name ToMera to many rock music fans and you will either get blank looks, remarks along the likes of “not my cup of tea” or “one of the best bands around”. My intuitive feeling is that there are more and more people falling into the last category and if people get the chance to listen through the bands new album I think its fair to say that the bands profile is going to rise. This reviewer gave their debut album “Transcendental” top marks and observant readers will notice that once again this new album has hit the top as far as marks go. In a nutshell everything that was attractive about bands first release is present once again but, on this outing, there is more of it, and that’s saying something.

ToMera walk musical paths that other bands would never dream of stepping out on, in fact many musicians and songwriters would probably cross to the other side of the road rather than attempt to tackle what ToMera do with gleeful intensity. The band's music combines thrash, jazz, progressive metal and melodic hard rock in equal measures, never quite being one or the other but more a mixture of everything all at once. It’s a heady sound and one that ultimately results in ToMera sounding fresh and unique. The first thing that strikes you with Delusions is the monstrously huge sound that has been achieved with the mix. Everything is crystal clear and sharp as a knife and for lovers of modern rock guitar tones let me say Tom MacLean has his sound “sorted”.

The musicianship on display throughout this album is truly astounding especially the interplay of guitar riffs and drum rhythms. If you think you have a good head for working out time signatures then sit down with this album and weep. Opening track “The Lie” sees the band going for the jugular straight from the off, Tom's guitars riffs are ultra cool and you are left scratching your head as to just what note his bottom string is tuned to. To be honest its best not to be too analytical anywhere here, for instance “Mirage” twists and turns through its feverish thrash nightmare before morphing into a melodic jazz section reminiscent of Allan Holdsworth and is both sublime, disturbing and beautiful all at the same time.

Elsewhere “The Glory Of A New Day” bristles with brutal riffs whilst “Inside The Hourglass” at first defies logic but eventually makes for a stimulating listening experience. However the band saves the longest song on the album till last with “Temptation”. Written by keyboard player Hugo Sheppard it starts out life being delicate and sensitive before leading the listener into some unsettling melodies and rhythms with moments of true beauty.  Sure tempos and playing get very technical in places but, by the end,  you will be left open jawed and feeling slightly insane when the last notes fade away.

The music of ToMera won’t be to everybody’s liking and, as outlined at the beginning of the review, there will be a section of rock fans that will run a proverbial mile from this mixture of metal and jazz. However there is something about their approach that will strike a chord with those who crave listening experiences that are challenging and that don’t fit in any preconceived musical pigeonholes. For those music lovers ToMera will be the music of their dreams for others they will be the music of their nightmares. Ultimately it up to each individual to make their own mind up but, who knows, ToMera may just be “the best band” you’ve never heard of ….yet!

Let us know your views on Delusions

Track Listing

The Lie
Mirage
The Glory Of A New Day
Inside The Hourglass
A Sorrow To Kill
Asylum
Fallen From Grace
Temptation

Line Up

Hugo Sheppard - keyboards
Tom MacLean - guitars
Julie Kiss - vocals
Lee Barrett - bass
Paul Westwood - drums