Reviews:

Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, December 2002
Right out of the gate I found tremendous respect for this group that calls itself Nemesis. I liked their heavy sound that is instantly comparable to Dream Theater and bands that sound similar. They are from Hungary and they have recently made the effort to re-record their entire catalog with the vocals in English. That is an incredibly ambitious and difficult thing to do.
On Eden? one would never know that their native tongue was Hungarian. I read their press kit after I had listened to their music, so being totally caught by surprise and blown away by this album's origins came as an unexpected event after the fact. I honestly had no idea where they came from and never once detected any accent in the vocals, which I feel is hard to believe.
They use the dark plodding, sometimes speedy, metal guitar with a locomotive rhythm section and swirling layers of ear crunching keyboards, which at times are tastefully sandwiched in between the bombast going on, to give you dose after compelling dose of metal-prog with oodles of oomph and juice to keep you wound up and focused on every track. They also demonstrate that they are talented enough to show their lighter and mellower side with beautiful instrumental passages and full tracks that are step away from the high-level energetic pounding of progressive metal. With a nod to the classical leanings of the genus, "Viragenek (Hungarian Folk Song)," which is sung in Hungarian, is a gorgeous example of their diversity and talent as a group of skilled musicians.
This band needs some more polish and time to develop the mastering process of their music and to boost their overall sound sonically up a few notches. Their sound will be incredible with just a little tweaking. With time, they will be a major force in the realm of progressive metal, and I think it is going to happen very quickly. They may have been headliners in their home country, and I can understand why, but with many heavyweights in the same ring vying for a captive world audience, their competition is fierce. I was very impressed with their energy and professionalism; they are without a doubt ready to take it to the next level. Make sure you visit the band's website to listen to some MP3's and judge for yourself.

How hackneyed is it to compare a prog-metal group to Dream Theater and Fates Warning? In the case of Nemesis, the comparison is practically dead-on, which says more about the group's creativity than it does about mine, I think. This stuff sounds exactly like Dream Theater circa Awake, combined with the heavy guitar crunch of Jim Matheos in Fates Warning. It's very smooth and melodic, generally led by power-riff guitar melodies and backed by sweeping keys (which are quite prominent throughout, and are what remind me most of Awake), all of it underneath the distinctively nasal voice of lead singer Zoltan Kiss. Kiss' English is really good, which was a nice surprise. He's got a bit of an accent that will definitely be off-putting to some, but I'm pretty picky about these things and I got used to it.
One thing I noticed immediately about this album is its extremely dry production, completely lacking in warmth or fuzziness of any sort. That can be good or bad, I guess, but everything sounds kind of unnaturally clean and bright. It also doesn't really help the nasal tone of Kiss' voice. Also, the way the drums are mixed makes them sound very distant, and so the album really lacks any kind of percussive punch.
Those are superficial criticisms, though, and in the end, what you think of this album depends on what you think of the idea of neo-prog-metal. I, for one, don't have much use for prog-metal bands that wear their influences on their sleeve so much. Oh, sure, there are some variations here and there, and the closing song is really nice (sung in Hungarian, so I like it the best out of any of the tracks on the album - go figure), but in the end there's nothing original here. Eden? is competent and melodically appealing enough that big fans of the style won't care, though.
review by Brandon Wu

No, this is not some long lost material by the predecessor of CANDLEMASS, but Progressive Metal from Hungary, what I think we haven't had around these pages so far. But there always has to be a first, eh?
Ok, like said, NEMESIS play Progressive Metal, but they do always remain very accessible (ok, despite a few passages, where the Prog runs more freely), so that you can easily follow the compositions, despite putting in more demand than many others out there. Combined with great musicianship, excellent vocals and well-wrought song writing this results in something that puts these Hungarians quite high in the rankings with their third album (never heard the first two though, which I'd like to change now that I have heard "Eden?"!).
They use different elements that you normally do not get in the field of Metal, like in "Eternal Circle", which are woven into their Prog as if it was the most natural thing there could be. Of course they, too, have some of the essentials of the genre in their sound, like the keyboards, which give us some solos in the DREAM THEATER-vein, but the mix of calmer and heavier passages within the compositions along with Zoltan Kiss' excellent voice and the equally excellent arrangements of the songs mark them as definitely different than the Americans, as an example.
Besides "Predestination", the beautiful calm instrumental "Faith" and the ten minute+ "Eternal Circle" I also have to mention the closing "Viragenek", which is an adaption of a Hungarian folk song, completely sung in Hungarian, a very calm, piano/voice track, very calm, but still strong, a very good way to end off an album in style!
Altogether "Eden?" is an excellent Progressive Metal album that lives off the balance between demand and accessibility, plus Kiss' vocals and the great arrangements, everything in a great production and a great artwork as well, which makes NEMESIS a band that genre fans should put onto their list to discover, it's worth it!

(Online March 31, 2003)
Alex

Nemesis is Hungarian prog metal band. Eden must be their first official album released in English language. On this album, they improved lots of song materials and performance, comparing to their promo cd. In the case of Nemesis, they feature spacey prog metal sounds that are closer to the bands like Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and even Pink Floyd. Lots of impressive keyboard works/solos, and intricate progressive metal instrumentatals. Sensory label constantly releases original sounding complex prog metal bands in recent years. Nemesis is another strong prog metal newcomer in the world-wide scene. Their instrumentation and song-strucres are really mature and impressive. When we talk about Hungarian bands, excellent bands like Stonehenge and Perfect Symmetry come to my mind. Nemesis's potentials are as high as Perfect Symmetry and Stonehenge. I guess that there are some other talented Hungarian Prog Metal bands, so we need to stay tuned in Hungarian prog metal movements. Nemesis is one of hot prog metal bands from Eastern Europe region.

Tetsu Hamanaka

Reviewed by: Karyn Hamilton, May 2003
Eden? is the first album released in English by Hungarian band Nemesis, with both prior releases (Nemesis, 1998, and Abraxas, 1999) written in their mother tongue. Along with For Promotional Use Only (not yet signed to a label), which is a re-recording of previous material into English, Eden? is a strategic measure by the band to have their music recognised in a larger section of the world.
Though I was left mostly uninspired by the initial listen, Eden? is an album which has grown on me with successive replays. At times it seems to fall into the "heard it somewhere before" basket, but the songwriting is solid and the musicianship excellent. The mix is sometimes a little dry and thin, but this was easily remedied by cranking the bass on my player; the music would be made much more fleshy if they'd just given more balance to their bass and lower keyboard lines during production. One small thing I noticed, and liked, was that vocalist Zoltan Kiss retains his Hungarian accent when singing. This is refreshing in a music industry where most vocalists – regardless of nationality – sing with an Americanised inflection.
Highlights of Eden? include the beautifully written "Four Mirrors," and the instrumental piece "Faith" which recalls to mind Dream Theater's "Eve" ("The Silent Man" single, 1994). Both these songs showcase the best of the tightly disciplined musicianship of the band, and feature some oh-so-right chord progressions. The inclusion of "Viragenek," a traditional Hungarian folksong, is also a nice touch, reminding the listener of the band's roots and giving a sample of what they sound like in their mother tongue.
Musically, Nemesis strongly reminds me of Australia's Vanishing Point, possessing a very similar sound; English progsters Threshold are also brought to mind, particularly early on in their career. Additionally, like Threshold's debut, Wounded Land (1993), and also albums like Pain of Salvation's Entropia (1999) and One Hour By The Concrete Lake (1998), Eden? carries a strong political message about the evils and dangers of modern human life. Take a look at the cover art for the first taste of this – a man and a woman standing before a forlorn ocean full of death, over which can be seen a broken and blackened city rising out of smoggy mists. Thankfully, Eden?'s poetry is much more subtle and mature than Wounded Land's (which I found lyrically extremely irritating) and doesn't need to bludgeon one over the head with its message to get it across.
For my first exposure to this relatively new prog-metal outfit, Eden? has ended up impressing me, despite my initial ambivalence. I'm now interested in hunting down the Hungarian releases of their previous albums, so as far as its purpose is to introduce their music to the wider public, Eden? has succeeded in my case.
Similar to: Vanishing Point, Threshold

*******

Reviewed by: Larry Daglieri, January 2003
Nemesis is another Hungarian Prog Metal band in a long line of bands that seem to keep emerging from that country as of late. While there are many comparisons to their country mates, one thing that does differ is that Nemesis had released this disc some time ago, with Hungarian lyrics, long before Hungary started putting out prog metal bands. Seems that back then, Nemesis had 2 discs worth of material written in Hungarian, and Sensory had the band re-release the best music in English, and Eden? is the final result.
Like most Sensory bands, Nemesis is a very progressive band. They have a sound that combines the heaviness of metal, with the influences of prog rock, with a touch of folk throw in for uniqueness. They drive their sound with a strong guitar crunch, heavy keyboards, and progressive elements. The softer sounds remind me a lot of Eloy, while some of the heavier parts remind of Stonehenge, another Hungarian prog metal band. You certainly get a good dose of songs, which range in time from 5:50 to 10:26. The songs are well written, at times disjointed and choppy, and at others quiet down to a soft folksy / jazzy passage which gives off a surreal, atmospheric feeling. You get the best of both worlds with this band. Prog metal heads should like the heavy, crunchy guitar, while prog rock folks should go for the keyboard-driven melodies and quirky songwriting approach. It’s a very atmospheric disc overall, with the progressive music inside encased by its surreal imagery, sort of like a Progressive Metal version of Eloy if you will. The music can be quite beautiful, melodic, and then at other times can be quite aggressive and scratch you like sandpaper.
The singer, Zoltan Kiss, is a talented singer, albeit with a nasally tone which I liken to many Hungarian singers. He has traces of accent, keeps good melodies with the music, but to the unforgiving could be on the irritating side. He is not afraid to hit a high note now and then, but mostly remains in a comfortable mid-range throughout the disc. He harmonizes well, and brings out the music more than adequately.
The production is bright, crisp and naturally dry. I’ve noticed this approach with many bands, including top name prog metal acts, and although I’m not a fan of the sound totally, it does work if given a chance. Of note, the vocals are recorded totally dry, no effects, no gimmicks. At times, this does not work well with the music, which can be quite symphonic, and the crunching guitars can overpower the voice somewhat.
If you are looking for something different in your progressive metal, then Nemesis should fit the bill perfectly. I would highly recommend that you do enjoy some form of progressive rock elements, or true metal heads might be a bit disappointed, but in its truest form of progressive music, Nemesis provides an adequate definition of the term on all counts.

From Hungary comes this excellent new find Nemesis, premiering here in the US on Ken Golden’s Sensory label. Actually, Eden? is Nemesis’ third album, but first English language release. After recording their second album, the band lost most if its members, and the new line-up is featured here on Eden?. The end result is top-notch progressive metal with an abundance of heavy riffs, symphonic keyboards, and hooks.
Even though the vocals of Zoltan Kiss (no, I’m not making his name up) have a readily discernable Hungarian accent, the singer has a rich and powerful voice, and is easy to understand. “Four Mirrors” is an instant classic, with crunchy guitars and lots of complex keyboard work, but with catchy melodic vocals telling the tale of a nightmare that is all too real. The title track is a near ten-minute epic that rivals some of the best of Symphony X or even Dream Theater. Gyorgy Nagy’s keyboard work is simply stunning here, as he trades vicious leads with guitarist Zoltan Fabian as well as create wonderful symphonic atmosphere. The tasty playing of Fabian is at the forefront on the lovely instrumental “Faith”, while his lethal riffs charge the rhinoceros stomp of the two-part epic “Eternal Circle.” Jacked by the nimble rhythm section of drummer Laszlo Nagy and bassist Csaba Berczelly, the band takes you through many twists and turns on this one, from prog-metal power, slow doomy sections, to some neat intricate Middle Eastern passages. If your tastes range more in the catchy power-metal vein, look no further than “Escape”, a great sing-along headbanger, or the classical meets metal of “Reality’s Door”, with some wicked guitar/keyboard exchanges. There is plenty of complexity throughout Eden? to please even the strictest of prog fans, plus the heavy nature of the songs will have metal listeners howling with delight. The cover artwork is a marvel as well!
Nemesis are apparently ready to release another English language CD some time in early 2003. Judging by the sheer power of Eden?, this should be something to look forward to. Nemesis has arrived, go seek them out!

Added: October 10th 2002
Reviewer: Pete Pardo

After Stonehenge, Nemesis is the 2nd progressive metal band hailing from Hungary and the first which is introduced to me by Intromental. Nemesis started in 1997 and recorded 2 albums in the Hungarian language. After a short break up, some band members reformed the band and decided to re-record and re-arrange their old material but this time in English. They even recorded 2 albums, this one and "Psychogeist" which will be released 6 months after the release of this album which was on the 3rd of September 2002. So, "Psychogeist" should appear somewhere around March 2003.
The bio mentions Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Pink Floyd as influences, from which the first two are most evident. The keyboard plays a dominant role in Nemesis' music but fortunately there are enough guitar parts that ensure that this is a metal album. The band members can handle their instruments very well while preventing show offs of their capabilities. This is mainly due to the well-structured songs. Songs to check out are the catchy "Four mirrors", the long diverse and epic title track, the instrumental "Faith" in which guitarist Zoltán Fábián can showcase his skills on the six strings, and the closing song which is an excellent cover of a Hungarian folksong which thrives on beautiful piano parts.
My critic mainly applies to some of the keyboards parts, in "Four mirrors" and "Escape" there are a few cheesy keyboard parts but fortunately these are short and not elaborated on. Since the songs on this album are relatively old I'm curious how these guys will develop in the future. For now, we have yet another very good progressive album worth checking out!

Ron

Nemesis is a Hungarian band formed in 1997 and after the albums Nemesis and Abraxas comes this, their third. Eden? marks the first release on which the lyrics are sung in English and it might be because of that that Zoltan Kiss' vocals are not completely without accent. However, Nemesis make ProgMetal with all the correct ingredients: double bass drums, metal guitars, haunting keyboards and high pitched vocals, which they appear to be able to mix together with the correct amounts. This album has Dream Theater (with a hint of Threshold) written all over it. Such a qualification might be used a lot in progmetal land (Dream Theater is, of course, one of the progmetal icons), but in this case I have a mixed feeling on this album: the songs are good (the correct ingredients are all there and they are high quality ingredients), but despite this, the album did not make a very large impression on me, perhaps lacking originality on some tracks.
The first three tracks on the album catch on quickly. That might of course be caused by the fact that they sound so familiar. Reality's Door, Predestination and Four Mirrors can be used as example to what progmetal sounds like. It appears some of the vocals are just within Zoltan Kiss' reach (but notice: within, not out of).
Eden? is one of the longer tracks and one of the highlights of this album. In fact it marks the second half of this album on which Nemesis shows that they are able to stand on their own without sounding too much like another band (but still the Dream Theater reference is lurking in shadows). Faith is a ballad that does not fit easily with the other songs on this CD, but the guitars on this track are really good. The other special and 'out of the ordinary' song on Eden is Viragenek, a Hungarian folksong, with piano and vocals only. This is a powerful song.
Nemesis is a group of good musicians. This English album is a re-recording of a previous Hungarian album. Their second English album (Psychogeist) will also be a re-recording of an older Hungarian album. In the meantime the current line-up has also released a new album in Hungarian "Terra Incognita" and it is especially this album that has triggered my curiosity. This album will also be released in English in the near future. I hope this new line-up is able to shake of the references to other bands.
In the future I will be listening to Eden? again, but this album does not place Nemesis on my shortlist - yet.

Dries Dokter

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I've always been a big Pink Floyd fan, but I never really caught on to bands like Dream Theater or Fates Warning. It's not that I don't respect those bands - their talent and contributions to rock'n'roll are undeniable - it's just that I never really hooked into their sound. For example, I have every single Pink Floyd release ... I've only got a couple Dream Theaters and maybe one Fates Warning.
Based on what I've heard, however, I'd have to say that Nemesis are much closer to Dream Theater or Fates Warning than they are to Pink Floyd. The songs herein are all richly tailored and well-performed and, although I've heard others say differently, the production sounds quite crisp and clear to me. I wouldn't go as far as to call Nemesis progressive metal (which I've also heard them described as) but they're definitely progressive rock and sometimes pretty hard rock. Sometimes just the opposite, too. The songs are lengthy, sophisticated and emotionally charged. The music has as much to do with what the band's trying to say as do the words.
Speaking of words, according to the liner notes, "Eden?" is the Hungarian band's first recording in English. You'd never know it from the smooth, controlled vocals of Zoltan Kiss. A hint of an accent may creep in here or there but it's only a hint. The last track on the CD, "Viragenek" is a Hungarian folksong and is recorded in the band's native language. It's a haunting piece.
Another of my favorite tracks, "Faith," is recorded in the international language of music. It's a short but excellent instrumental in the vein of Joe Satriani that tells a story of its own.
Fans of bands like Dream Theater will no doubt become fans of Nemesis. This is one of those CDs that makes you want to seek out the band's earlier releases, whether they're recorded in English or not.
Nemesis: Gyorgy Nagy - keyboards; Casba Berczelly - bass, acoustic guitars; Zoltan Kiss - vocals; Laszlo Nagy - drums; Zoltan Fabian - guitars, acoustic guitars, sequencer programming.

M.J. Brady
Published on: 18 Nov 2002
There has been a sentiment that the progressive metal scene has come to a slow down in certain circles, many bands have tried to copy the most successful bands, only to become one-shot release items. But I have to admit that this year 2002 has treated my ears to some great new talent, and from many unusual parts of the world. Nemesis is one such band, coming from Hungary, they are playing in the power progressive mode, with an emphasis on progressive, which for my tastes, makes for a much more entertaining product.

Nemesis is following in the style of Dream Theater, more so from the older albums like Awake or Images and Words, where there were more crunchy songs, and a larger metal influence. I am more impressed with the bands musicianship, and arrangements than the the vocals, which are not bad, just not overly impressive, with a slight accent, they are much better than most progmetal bands, and this is the plus side. The bands sound is very much on the heavy side of progmetal, showing the same inclinations for technical grooves, and melting synth lines accompanying the guitar work.

The recording quality is very good, and cranks up very nicely, giving you maximum crunch like the better progmetal recordings do. As mentioned earlier in this review, the progressive metal world has some great new talent from which to draw from, and Nemesis is going to be one well worth keeping an eye out for, there are many moments of first class material on this cd, and shows that this bands has much more to offer to us in the future.