Review by Jack on April 17, 2003.

Over the past years of listening to progressive metal and/or rock I have found it to be the most infallible genre in the metal/hard rock/extreme music scene. Perhaps this can be attributed to my listening not being as expansive in the prog world as, say black metal or death metal, but I think the underlying element underpinning most prog metal scenes is that there isn't too many filler acts like the abundance of crap served up on a daily basis from either the black or death scenes.

You really, really have to pay DVS Records some high compliments in their ability to discover some of the highest quality unknown progressive outfits around. First there was Wolverine and Into Eternity (who moved onto Elitist and Century Media respectively), but since the departure of two of their big name bands DVS Records have continued to serve up quality record after quality record. Ashes to Ashes "Cardinal VII" was quite simply one of the best pure heavy metal discs of last year, and remained in the top 5 records of 2002 as voted by you folks (Metalbite readership). Latest to adorn the DVS record list is a relatively unknown band from Denmark called Chrome Shift.

The Pain of Salvation and Dream Theater influences for these five boys from Denmark can be certainly seen in "Ripples in Time," and fans of those aforementioned two acts should really look into grabbing this record. Chrome Shift has put together an exciting record in "Ripples in Time;" here we are presented with a band that is a tight and most importantly cohesive unit. Chrome Shift has only played together as a band since 1999, but it certainly does not come across that way; the understanding of each other's playing strengths and weaknesses, as well the capability to compose a song that showcases each member's artistry is a real testament to their capability as an outfit in the prog scene. Each track is multilayered with enough conflicting and contracting elements, and delivered so easily that "Ripples in Time" becomes an absolute thrill to be a part of. If you were one of the thousands of people that fell in love with Wolverine and "The Window Purpose," then I can 100% guarantee you will find some pretty impressive material on "Ripples in Time."

Bottom Line: I really, really enjoy what DVS Records are doing at the moment. The production, compositions, atmosphere, chemistry, you name it, Chrome Shift have done it better than most could hope for. "Ripples in Time" is the something you may have been waiting for.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8.5
Originality: 7
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by Jack on May 15, 2003.

Here we have it. All Sonata Arctica groupies need not look further for another injection of estrogen ever again. Celesty is the band that can certainly provide the hit you have been longing for ever since “Silence” came knocking at your door.

All jokes aside, Sonata Arctica fans, and indeed most power metal fellows, will find a great deal of solace within the bosom of Celesty. “Reign of Elements” is a fine and uplifting power album that will certainly inspire you to run off and beat back the demon hordes that exist in today’s bleak society. Crystal clear production (this has got to one of the finest production jobs ever) makes every instrument brutally clear. Testicles-in-the-vice vocals, estrogen charged guitars, and rocket propelled drumming make each and every song strike hard and fast.

However, truthfully Celesty has delivered a top-notch power record. Even I can’t find too much wrong with the material on “Reign of Elements.” As said previously the production is fantastic, in fact brilliant. Each instrument is perfectly audible, making for a listen that can’t be faulted. Each musician plies his art with authority, but not the extent of drowning out any other member. The songs are catchy, head-moving creations that make you feel like a retard when you groove along with conviction (but hey, that’s what metal is about right?)

Bottom Line: Skeptical power metal critics like myself are the bane of most power records, but Celesty have come through on a unicorn and I can’t really fault what is a very, very solid output. You’ll feel like a fruit when listening, but I’m damn sure you’ll have some fun when listening to “Reign of Elements.”

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 10
Originality: 7
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Jack on May 15, 2003.

Here we have it. All Sonata Arctica groupies need not look further for another injection of estrogen ever again. Celesty is the band that can certainly provide the hit you have been longing for ever since “Silence” came knocking at your door.

All jokes aside, Sonata Arctica fans, and indeed most power metal fellows, will find a great deal of solace within the bosom of Celesty. “Reign of Elements” is a fine and uplifting power album that will certainly inspire you to run off and beat back the demon hordes that exist in today’s bleak society. Crystal clear production (this has got to one of the finest production jobs ever) makes every instrument brutally clear. Testicles-in-the-vice vocals, estrogen charged guitars, and rocket propelled drumming make each and every song strike hard and fast.

However, truthfully Celesty has delivered a top-notch power record. Even I can’t find too much wrong with the material on “Reign of Elements.” As said previously the production is fantastic, in fact brilliant. Each instrument is perfectly audible, making for a listen that can’t be faulted. Each musician plies his art with authority, but not the extent of drowning out any other member. The songs are catchy, head-moving creations that make you feel like a retard when you groove along with conviction (but hey, that’s what metal is about right?)

Bottom Line: Skeptical power metal critics like myself are the bane of most power records, but Celesty have come through on a unicorn and I can’t really fault what is a very, very solid output. You’ll feel like a fruit when listening, but I’m damn sure you’ll have some fun when listening to “Reign of Elements.”

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 10
Originality: 7
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.8 out of 10