Storytelling at its best.

'The Corrupted Lullaby' is the third album from Stockholm-based Prog Metal band Seventh Dimension. They started out as a trio in 2009 before adding Eric Bauer's keyboard expertise and the vocal talents of Nico Lauritsen.

The fourteen-track album follows in the fine tradition of Prog releases in that it's a concept album. The central story revolves around the loves of "The Dreamer" – a man who is so blinded by his deceased love "The Rose", that he cannot see the love for him from "The Lilly". A musical box and its lullaby hold the key to him reuniting with his love, but at a price!

Starting off via an instrumental that is mixed with spoken word, 'The Dreamers Requiem' pulls synth samples, strings and haunting guitar pieces into a gentle but captivating track. 'Empty Days' bears all the trademarks of classic Prog with elements of Marillion, Genesis and Dream Theater all heavily apparent in this epic song that also features singing guitar riffs and Lauritsen's deep, meaningful vocal delivery.

At around eight minutes long, 'When Shadows Fall' ebbs and flows in both tempo and emotion throughout its course; this track also contains some beautiful, dreamy keyboard work. The dark overtones of 'Scent Of A Rose' blend with acoustic guitar parts which ooze class against the simple vocal.

The band have clearly absorbed a lot from their musical peers and expertly command a variety of instruments that add atmosphere and tension to their compositions which keep the listener hooked in.

The heavily rhythmic 'Oct. 5, 1975 – Past Remorse' speeds things up through a chunky guitar part and some pounding bass intermixed with soaring keyboard passages. 'Invitation' continues the heavy feel and shows their Symphony X influence.

The core of this album is 'The Lullaby' and it's exactly what you'd expect – soft, gentle and soothing. 'An Ancient Tale' merges a thick guitar riff with a Middle Eastern vibe, whereas 'Disconnection' has a carnival/circus flavour in its structure. 'Leaves Of Fall' is the final song and it brings all the parts of the previous tracks into one cohesive song – it's fast, punchy and Symphonic but still retains the lullaby at its centre.

The production on this album is first-class as every instrument is clear and not battling to be heard, while the songs are well written – both lyrically and musically – which all make this a joyous concept album to listen to. Storytelling at its best!

Paul Sabin