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Genre: progressive metal

Structural Disorder are a Swedish progressive metal band, and you know what they say about Sweden and rock music: there must be something in the water there. that also applies to this fine progressive metal album.

There is a distinct Middle Eastern feel to the first two tracks 'Desert Rain' and 'Someone to Safe'. 'Silence' is a mellow ballad; now, I've been accused of hating ballads before. That is not true. Well, it is true that I dislike cheesy, sappy ballads, but, if it is a well wrought piece of music, I can definitely appreciate a ballad, and 'Silence' is one such type of ballad. It is mellow and melancholic and has lots of atmosphere. In other words, it is one of those ballads I like. These first three tracks are the best tracks on the album. The remaining tracks are generally pretty good, and - at least to me - have an inherent Yes-like vibe to them. This might be because of the use of multi-layered vocal harmonies. There are many soft passages, and melancholy characterizes the album as a whole. For the most part, this works very well, but, in places, this dynamic means that the album lacks energy every now and then.

"Distance" is a pretty good progressive metal album. The inspiration from the likes of Dream Theater and Fates Warning is definitely there, but Structural Disorder make their music their own. While there are several twists and turns on the album, which is also epic in scope, it is still considerably accessible. This means that, while it is best to listen to it while you concentrate on it, the album is also suitable for casual listening.

Fans of progressive metal should definitely check "Distance" out although some might find it a tad lackluster in places. The album might also be a good gateway album for listeners who are getting into progressive metal but have yet to appreciate the really far out stuff.