Kings of Modesty - Hell or Highwater (2009)

Kings of Modesty is a modern progressive metal band out of Finland. You know the type, a lot of chugging guitars, extensive use of synthesizers and a crystalline voice. It honestly took me a few listens before I could even begin to appreciate the album, but it grew on me largely due to how well its various elements flowed together. This is not your Dream Theater style of band with insane amounts of jamming or showmanship, it is more akin to Pagan's Mind where the songs are more cohesive. When the band lets shine its musical prowess, you can tell they've got the chops, but thankfully they keep these restrained rather than blowing up into shredding cheese (they stand by their name).

Again, this has more of a 'modern' spin on it, so don't expect a barrage of power metal riffing. Most of the guitars here are very simple chugging with brief flurries of scales, but work well in conjunction with Jason Flinck's expressive, crystal throat and the prevalent synths of Mikael Hjelt. The opening song is "Never Touched the Rainbow", and while that title and the lyrics of the chorus had me slapping my knees in hilarity, the music itself is actually not bad. "Hourglass" opens with a nice stream of guitar, which persists as the vocals and keyboards open up the verse. "Deep Down" has the big 80s prog synthesizers to start but it's also a catchy track, with some dreamy vocal tones. Most of the album remains consistent, but some of the stronger tracks include "Suicidal Mission", the rocking "Tailspin" and the scintillating "Miracle 9". It does close with a balladic prog rock piece "Two Hearts Collide", but it's not terrible.

The production on the album is suitable for its genre, you can hear everything clearly. The band builds each track to a resonable climax with a catchy chorus, but the lyrics are often cookie cutter, so you may not wish to pay them close attention. I also am not a fan of the guitar tone, it's got that thin, punchy vibe to it; works in the greater scheme, but often feels wimpy. Other than these few gripes, Hell or Highwater should appeal to fans of the sugary side of power/prog metal like countrymen Stratovarius or Sonata Arctica.

Verdict: Win [7/10]

http://www.myspace.com/kingsofmodesty