`Artemisia` is the title of the new Sun Caged album. The info leaflet states that those who try to describe Sun Caged’s music will find this a considerable task. I must agree, but probably for another reason than intended. This music is hard to describe for the simple reason that it is hard to write as inspiring as the music is. Quite an achievement considering that there is a lot of stuff that you’ve heard before and little that truly stands out (because of the general high quality that is).

The elements that are melted together by the band all have a certain familiarity resulting in a known and somewhat catchy sound. The Dream Theater influence is especially evident in the vocals of Villarreal (I’m not that big a fan of LaBrie) and some of the breaks. The leaflet states that Sun Caged contains elements that draw comparisons to bands such as Ayreon, Kansas, Dream Theater, Pain of Salvation and Liquid Tension Experiment. A statement that could have been left out, these references are more than obvious.
There is plenty to enjoy for the progressive metal fan on `Artemisia`.

The album has a powerful and very energetic sound that blasts out of the speakers (this band will be great fun to watch!). Despite the references, Sun Caged has managed to record ten independent songs cleverly structured into a solid entity. I can honestly say that there is no weak track on this album. Yet, hardly any of the tracks truly stand out.
The absolute highlights on this high quality album lies within the music. I love the excellent lead guitars and almost every single solo is top notch. Whether it’s the keyboards, the guitars or the drums, these guys prove to have great skills and know how to use them. Just listen to the nine minute epic “Bloodlines” and be amazed by the keys by Kroon and the guitars by Coenen.

Neglecting the comparisons with the aforementioned bands in the genre (one could say that Sun Caged lacks some originality), `Artemisia` deserves 8 out of 10 at least. With this new album Sun Caged again have proved to be one of the major players within the Dutch progressive metal scene and ready to conquer other countries.