renkls I've got no problem with instrumentals, generally speaking, if it's engaging enough without the use of vocals, then it doesn't need to have them at all. Sometimes however, instrumentals that show off guitar virtuosity and talent alone is just not enough to keep you engaged.

Such is the case with the dubiously metal, Step Into the Future. At a superficial glance, that cover isn't very engaging. Also, instead of a bunch of divided tracks as a concept, we have one 75:22 long progressive metal epic. At least, that's what we'd hope for. And I was hoping this album would be able to keep me entertained and maintain a strong consistency. I was disappointed then, when I found that instead of the heavier metal edge, we have a more prog rock vibe. Now this is fine on its own, but the lack of multiple tracks means that most subsegments of this huge composition go on longer then they need to, however dynamic the performance, my attention wanders.

I'm a big fan of extended, long form pieces of music, as evidenced by 95% of my reviews on this site. Instrumental albums done in this fashion are exceptionally difficult to pull off, and here, where the general mood of the piece is lighter and less hard edged, it's an even more niche avenue to excel in. Not that I don't admire George Bellas for trying something so audacious. It is good to see musicians working outside traditional song structures.

For a prog rock fan, I think this album will hold much more appeal then it did for me. The fact it's instrumental is quite detrimental to me, I don't think that the concept (whatever it is) really needed to be 75 minutes long. But hey, it's his music and I'm sure some people will gravitate towards the style he goes for here. He's a talented musician, but instrumentals tread a fine line between brilliance and being prime examples of diminishing returns. It's not an album I think I'll bother engaging with again soon. Interesting release though and I'm sure for some, this will be quite a trip.

2.5 at the moment.