Hal Darling is an American drummer and percussionist who is out with his second album. The music can be described as a kind of "over-the-top" prog, and stands out as Dream Theater on acid mixed with a wannabe contemporary music composer. All kinds of odd rhythms are everywhere, and he plays a lot - and fast. Lots of drama and dynamics - all done by the book. The melodic material is OK, but in no way memorable stuff. Not a lot of substance, rather more glaze, and he could have worked more on composition and production than the fact is. Adding a few pieces for bad sounding MIDi orchestra does not raise the overall level of impression up to stratospheric heights.

©2004 Tarkus Magazine

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