$6.99

SONGS OF THE EXILE (S.O.T.E.) is a modern power-trio from the Netherlands combining classic RUSH, YES, DREAM THEATER, Allan HOLDSWORTH and Steve VAI into a powerful sound of their own. Six strong compositions (Including one of over 23 minutes long) fill up an hour of splendid guitar, bass and drums. Although the lyrics give somewhat cynical view of the world they do fit the singer and the music perfectly. Modern instruments like guitarsynth and six-string fretted and fretless bass combined with emotion laden vocals have ensured that SONGS OF THE EXILE received very good reviews in the leading Progressive rock magazines in the Netherlands. Covering ten tracks, the following album "Time To End" (2003) takes you from contemplative moments to waves of aggression with everything in between in an hour of splendid music in a style uniquely their own. On top of wailing guitars and complex drumming the use of extended-range instruments, harmony vocals, guitar and pedal synthesizers lay a colourful palette of sounds. It carries the emotion-laden lead vocals telling the story of John, Jeremy and Jones to their turbulent ending. A definite must-have for modern day guitar oriented Progressive rock fans loving recurring themes and long storylines in this collection of songs that can be listened to both seperately as well in its entirety. "Reasons" (2008) is a concept-album that deals with a lifetime (Time seems to be the main theme for the band !) connected with the mind's existential and philosophical concerns in each age of life. SONGS OF THE EXILE is basically a "power-trio" (Guitar, bass & drums), with some additional keyboards in the background. But the band's music has become fully personal and difficult to categorise. The main initial influence was RUSH, and comparisons were also made with QUEENSRYCHE, DREAM THEATER's "Metropolis Part Two - Scenes From A Memory", or even Allan HOLLDSWORTH and Steve VAI. It gives a good idea of the atmospheres in that album, still dark and tortured. But the music has also become really personal, powerful, diverse and constantly inspired, creating an innovative blend of heavy-metal and symphonic Progressive rock. A must.