An elevated record that raises the power, the strength, and the energy of Power Metal to melodic levels that are often missing in many releases.

Formed by Patrick Fransson, drummer and song-writer in the early noughties, Fraise is a musical vehicle for Fransson's Progressive Metal explorations and signatures. In 2004, his efforts first saw the light of day in the debut 'Hellicornia'. The explorations grew and intensified with two more releases in 2007 and 2014. Now, joined by Staffan Ericson on vocals, Ola Mauritz on keys, guitarist Fredrik Falkerstedt and bassist Simon Lindholm, he has released his fourth opus 'Circle-O-Zero'.

Mining the rich plateau of Progressive Rock, Fransson has opened up and discovered musical rivers of molten Metal that flow with aggressive power. With his fellow musicians, these five unite their talents, creating swift and concise musical excursions, performances that are led by strapping guitar, a driving synchronised beat and bottom end with flourishes of vibrant ivories. This may be Fraise's strongest effort yet.

Each number can stand on its own, however, when combined we are exposed to a potent soundscape and one that is performed to perfection. 'Emptyness' is a fine example of this, grand shades of light and dark that dance across the whole musical spectrum. Driven by Ericson's voice and the swirls of Mauritz's keyboards, this is a very interesting piece. It also works well in creating a unified atmosphere, with it preceding 'Freedom Messiah', and then as we continue to listen, the sterling production attributes are fully on display, what with the smartness in both the arrangements and line-up of the album.

Listened to as a whole, 'Circle-O-Zero' is a powerful entity; an elevated record that raises the power, the strength, and the energy of Power Metal to melodic levels that are often missing in many releases. A very solid album and one that should elevate Fraise even higher!

Bruce E.J. Atkinson