Review Summary: The self-defined "first chapter" of their yet-to-be released rock opera makes for a very compelling introduction.
Time to Go is the first release and first single from the ‘new era’ of Cursed Legacy. Released as the first single and promo to their rock opera “Lunar Isolation” which is centred around a prison base on the moon in the late 21st century, it’s an ambitious track that pushes the band deeper into the over-the-top progressive rock territory. This single – like the upcoming album – is also the first to bring in new guest members and a full band. It also marks the first time a new lead vocalist has taken over from the band’s leader.
The EP is simply a mish-mash of single edits, instrumentals and evolution tracks but it gives a taste of the complexity that the band are aiming for. If you’ve ever listened to Cursed Legacy in the past, you’d know that their sound is calmly driven (with the exception of the borderline metalcore release “The Encounter”)
Time to Go is a 7-minute epic featuring your typical choir and horns accompaniment. Married with dialogue and sound effects – it details the first chapter of lead character’s Damon Hugo proclamation of innocence as he heads for the Lunar Isolation prison. After the first verse and chorus fade, the single jams into the biggest guitar and synth solo ever to be found on a Cursed Legacy record. The bassist and drummer supplement what easily follows a Dream Theater meets War of the Worlds meets Rick Wakeman suite.
Both musically and lyrically, the seven minutes doesn’t drag on like most progressive rock opera tracks do. There’s never a dull moment. The mix is a little quieter than you’d expect, but dynamic all the same.
Whilst the EP is filled with demos, orchestra tracks and instrumentals – the single is the obvious highlight. Overall this is a step in the right direction for Cursed Legacy.
