Valarius
Whenever I buy CDs on Ebay I always be sure to click on the 'sellers other items' tab, to see if there are any artists worth checking out. Sometimes the risk doesn't pay off, sometimes it does. Since nobody else had bid on it, I snapped up Wingdom's debut album for €1. Definitely a risk that paid off.
This album is absolutely fantastic, and seriously, incredibly underrated. Sadly Wingdom have since split up and never released a follow-up, but 'Reality' shows so much potential for a band that could have really made a name for themselves.
One of the great things about this group is that they have a very recognisable Prog Metal sound, but without ten-minute songs riddled with time changes and odd arrangements. So whilst they instantly ooze a Prog Metal tone, their songs are very easy to get into. They also incorporate a sound which I absolutely love; a heavy, crunchy guitar, accompanied by a melodic keyboard. And this is instantly demonstrated within the first minute of the opening track, 'Time'.
Wingdom may not be the most technically efficient band in the world, but their playing is very tight, and every member gives a stellar performance. Some good examples of what this band are all about can be found in 'Time', 'The Essence', 'Lighthouse Pt. 1 & 2' and the truly beautiful 'Never Stop'.
If you're expecting crazy musicianship on the level of Dream Theater, Symphony X and Time Requiem, this band isn't for you. But for a more 'radio-friendly' sounding Progressive Metal band (even though they've probably never been on the radio), Wingdom are friggin' awesome, and definitely worth checking out if you get the chance.