Let me say that the musicianship displayed is stellar. Sweeping riffs and dazzling leads help to solidify the top notch guitar work this band has. Each song really captures the sci-fi concept that Catalyst portrays. One of the first aspects that grabbed me was how well this album gelled together. With a concept album, many times the pacing can seem forced, almost puzzle-pieced together; not here. Prototype tells a very intricate story that uses all of themselves to convey their seamless message track to track. The three instrumentals, “Inceptum,” “Illuminatum,” and “Impetus” all act as page dividers, as they are breaking points to begin and separate distinct parts of the story being told. Of them, “Illuminatum” is my personal favorite as I find it really gives the picture of the heart and soul of not only the band, but the whole of Catalyst in its scope and precision.

Transcend brings a whole new musical world to the table in the epic masterpiece: The Mind. Ranging from the heaviest riffs and odd-time extended instrumental sections to soft male-female vocal duets and Greek Bouzouki parts, we are taken on an inspiring journey by these young virtuosos. Although Transcend echoes with originality, their influences remain clear and often intentionally obvious to any fans of Progressive Metal. Their music screams; Dream Theater, Symphony X, Pain of Salvation, Devin Townsend and Opeth – but also takes us to dreamier worlds like those of Pink Floyd, King Crimson and at times even Elton John and The Tea Party.