The new Henning Pauly (Chain, Frameshift) concept album was originally conceived as a double album. The vision, based on a true story about a former professional athlete who is fighting his present paralyzed state, was eventually shrunk into concise 75 minutes.

Jody Ashworth (previously featured on Trans-Siberian Orchestra and other Pauly releases), James LaBrie (Dream Theater) and Matt Cash handle most of the vocals on the album, yet the casting Pauly did for the recording is impressive not only in names, but also in the roles they play. Choosing the self-assured, crude Ashworth to play the part of the main character, Nick (who, I remind you, is in a very fragile phase) was a tricky selection. However, as odd as it is at first, it becomes logical as the story goes.

LaBrie handles the crucial physician part convincingly, adjusting to the different situations — from the mellow attempts at persuasions to unsettled fury. However, it is Matt Cash, who plays the role of the caring stranger, who seems to be totally wholehearted. A closer inspection reveals that both Cash and Ashworth (especially the former) contributed to the lyrics, and it is highly reasonable that this spirit of collaboration helped to make the album sound all the more persuasive.

Musically, this release is less exaggerated than the two previous Henning Pauly releases we examined (Frameshift’s An Absence of Empathy and Pauly’s Credit Where Credit Is Due), but "humble" is far from being an insult. Pauly, who handles most of the instruments himself, does so brilliantly: he does not over-speed, he does not over-stretch and he does not get too technical; instead he leads the vocals with melodies, energetic riffs (check out the great melodic bass playing on one of the album’s most conflict-charged songs, "What do you know!?") and changing sceneries. Even the five instrumental pieces that are distributed throughout the album are articulate and to the point rather than being a hollow showcase (a common case in progressive metal).

Instead of being filled with pompousness, this album tells its story with great focus and relevance. The result is exactly what this release strived to be: a clear storyline, served with engaging performance that emphasize its drama to create a meaningful, empathic listening experience. (9/10)