Altura
Magna Carta delivers another Dream Theater (circa Images and Words) influenced band. Altura's playing has a definite Dream Theater feel with the exception of the guitars. Although Ervin is good, I consider Petrucci in the "guitar god" class. One difference in their playing is that Ervin does not go for the clean sound I like so much in Petrucci's playing. Another place where Altura falls short of DT is in the transitions. Where DT can make the transition smooth and subtle, Altura tends toward the more abrupt style. Despite these criticizms I really enjoy Altura.

Current Lineup:

Jeremy Osborne: Bass
Franklin Ervin: Guitars
Chad Gibson: Drums
Jason Lingle: Keyboards, Vocals
Rain Irving: Vocals
Mercy Cover Mercy ©1996 Magna Carta A-9014-2
Mercy starts off the CD with a definite DT feel. "One By One" is quite progressive but has a more commercial chorus. "Horizons Fade" is one of the slower songs, but is more unique than derivative of DT. "One Dimension" starts out with a really unique sound but does not change it up, and it becomes somewhat monotonous. "Alternate Lines" is one of my favorite songs on the CD (and is also one of the more unique sounding songs). "Alone" begins as a ballad, but transitions into a rather heavy tune. All things considered, there are some unique aspects to Mercy, but if you hate bands that sound like DT, you won't care for Altura.

Sound Clip:
Clip of "Alternate Lines" from Mercy (48 sec, approx. 189K)