It wasn't that long ago that I reviewed Hawaii's premier Progressive Goth Metal band Storm's debut album, 'Storm's a Brewin'. Although there were a few issues, they showed a lot of promise, and I didn't expect them to be back so soon with a followup, let alone concept album that is actually a full-blown metal musical. 'Medusa' is a retelling of the Ovidian version of the Greek mythological tale you may already be familiar with from 'Clash of the Titans'. In a nutshell, the beautiful Medusa, high priestess of Athena, attracts the unwanted attention of Poseidon who rapes her in Athena's temple. Athena is none too pleased about this and takes it out on Medusa, transforming here into a hideous Gorgon (hair turned into serpents, terifying visage, etc.) and banishes her to a far northern island. Any glory seekers who gazed upon Medusa's horrific countenance were turned to stone. That is until the heroic Perseus comes along with a mirrored shield (and a few other other gifts from the Gods) and beheads her. There's a bit more to it than that, but you get the idea.

The role of Medusa is played by Sandy Essman, lead singer of Storm, Perseus by Kevin Jones, Athena by Margaret Ransdell-Green and Poseidon by Ka'imi Hanano'eau. Gerard K. Gonsalves - drums; Darren Soliven - bass; Jase LeFebvre - guitar; and Eric Barker - keyboards are the musicians in Storm. The album opens with a brief deep voiced narrration over some foreboding musical ambience - "It is a time of Gods, of monsters, of mortals..." on "A Prelude to Tragedy" before the band launches into "The Priestess". Miss Essman is a poweful witchy vocalist, perfect for playing Medusa. The song lyrics are faithful to the story, and songs well constructed for dramatic effect. Musically, the band has moved into proggier territory; likely Mr. Barker's contributions have stimulated that as his keyboards take on a more defined role. I am also noticing that the recording is better balanced than Storm's debut. "A God's Desire" is a track that could easily stand on its own outside of the concept album. Great hook! Musicianship is top-notch throughout.

Now for the downside- that deep-pitched narrator shows up at the beginning of every track leading the listener by nose (or ears), and it gets overbearing. Not that it isn't well done; I just don't think every track needs a voiceover. Here we need to pause a moment, and consider this isn't just some concept album, but a "metal musical", or perhaps more accurately- a "metal opera". Without much actual dialogue (spoken words by the players), some narration is helpful in order to flesh out the concept. This likely works better live than in a purely audio format.

Back on the positive side, the album flows very well and the guest vocalists are very good in their roles. Kevin Jones as Persius gets a bit more vocal time, and sounds somewhat like Geddy Lee to these ears. Since the guest vocalists are integral to performing this album, they undoubtedly will have to be along for the ride when the band tours this album. From what I've seen of their debut performance in Hawaii, this show is meant to be done complete with costumes and props. It won't be cheap to tour 'Medusa', but if Storm really want to make its mark, tour it they must. How soon that happens could be dependent on the band's new guitarist, Collen Kelton, replacing Jase who is leaving to further his military career.

It ought to be interesting to see how well 'Medusa' is received live beyond the shores of Hawaii. My best guess, if done properly, it will go down A STORM.