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Cheope
‘Downloadideas’
(Heartlines Music)

As mysterious as the pyramids built by the Pharaoh Cheopes himself, this Italian band had me clueless as to what to make of them. With a progressive cover but looking like a buncha nu metallers that could pass for extras on the TV series ‘Stargate’, Cheope play 90s AOR along the lines of Tyketto or Dream Theatre with even some elements of funk metal! I mean, how confusing is that - and just who would go see them live? However, image aside the band actually sound pretty good with some excellent musicianship so there’s no fault there. The impression (and there might be a clue in the album title) is that these guys are session players who’ve indeed spent a lotta time on the internet to get the inspiration to cultivate a rock band. Just sort out the image though guys, otherwise its a pizza gone mad!

-Shan Siva