The world of Progressive Metal has always been dominated by the “Big Three”: Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and (early) Queensryche. These bands define Prog Metal and all bands that have come after them. Then a band comes along that totally redefines an entire genre of music. That band for me is Houston’s Eumeria, and the album is“Rebel Mind”. Formed in 2008 by former Outworld keyboard player, Bobby Williamson, Eumeria features Jonny Tatum on vocals, Reece Fullwood on guitar, Kevin Bartlett on drums, and Williamson’s former Outworld bandmate Shawn Kascak on bass guitar.

    “Rebel Mind” showcases the vocals and lyrics of frontman Jonny Tatum whose voice is reminiscent of a younger Ray Alder (Fates Warning) combined with Tony Harnell (TNT, Starbreaker). Tatum’s range is amazing as he goes from melodic mid range (Father, Tides) to amazing highs that reach into the stratosphere (Legion, The Key, Red Light Flies).  Kevin Bartlett’s drumming style can only be described as frenzied and precise. Williamson’s keyboards are a huge element to the Eumeria sound and also add a melodic yet extremely progressive element to the songs Guitarist Fullwood shows off his considerable chops during the solos and his heavy sounding rhythms keep things energized. Having heard an early demo of the song “Rebel Mind”, the guitar on the new recording sounds heavier and huge compared to the original demo version.

       The core songwriting team of Williamson, Tatum, and Fullwood has created complex, yet highly melodic songs that are instantly memorable. Eumeria has a definite Dream Theater/Fates Warning influence, while all the while retaining an originality all their own. Songs like the title track, “Delusions”, and “Secret Places” have incredible musicianship and sing along choruses that are prog ear candy to this reviewer! This is without a doubt my favorite prog metal album since Dream Theater’s Images & Words (which is no small feat!). I predict big things for Eumeria!

Rating 9.0