Blink Of An Eye

A review of the new CD by Enchant

By Sebastian

I started the original Prog Rock Dock site with a review of Enchant’s…well…enchanting CD entitled “Juggling Nine or Dropping Ten”. I have to say that though this band is not as popular as prog bands such as Yes, Genesis or Dream Theater, they certainly have a genuine sense of their own music and also a definite way of pleasing their fan base.

Blink Of An Eye is not a disappointment. I feel that it actually has a “oh wait, did I tell you this?” feeling about it. A CD that actually may have been interesting as a companion piece to Juggling Nine, although that experience may have been overwhelming. A lot of the themes that present themselves in Juggling Nine seem to be here as well. The first track, a knockout entitled “Under Fire”, once again tackles the death theme that Enchant seems to deal with very effectively. This time from the point of view of someone who is put in the position of taking someone’s life. It is a gripping song that pounds along passionately. Ted Leonard’s vocals on the second wave after the chorus is one of the most emotional and compelling expressions of anguish that you’re likely to feel come out of a song. Doug Ott’s guitar work is magnificent on this track, clean and brutal at times. Strangely enough, there is a song by Hoobastank called “Runaway” that sounds like they heard a good dose of Enchant and decided to copy the style. Sadly enough Runaway (though a good song) gets tons of airplay, while Under Fire may never see the laser of many a DJs CD player.

The CD has a nice balance of songs, although I didn’t quite like the placement of the song Monday as the second track (perhaps just my own weird sense of the pace of a CD) and also the two slower paced songs being next to each other Follow The Sun/Ultimate Gift. Follow The Sun is a gem. It has such a pleasant feel. I can’t really describe it. Though the theme of driving along with someone you love does give you a sense of it. The song leaves you with a glow. Ultimate Gift is just a decent song and is probably my least favorite on the CD. It is very ordinary but likely has growth potential. It may have been better to leave it for another CD and include Prognosis as the official closer of the CD.

Prognosis…

This song is an instrumental and is actually a bonus track. But ahhhhh, what a BONUS!!! Seriously, this is probably one of the best prog-metal instrumentals out there. An anthem, if you will. I can say no more about this song except, make sure you get a copy of this CD with this song on it. Turn up the volume and let it rip.

Overall, this CD has everything that an Enchant fan would expect. It grows on you, moves you and will make an impression on you. I have only listened twice and so I will hold on to further comment until I have discovered all that there is to comment on. Perhaps I will do a song-by-song column on it. In the meantime, rest easy fellow fans. Enchant has once again done well.