J-Man
Despite being fairly well-versed in progressive metal from around the world, I can't say that I've run across too many Argentinian acts that belong to this genre. This certainly makes Thabu a unique asset to the country's metal scene, as their mix of traditional progressive metal and heavy-edged US power metal is quite different from what most other Argentinian bands are up to. Their second album, entitled Reborn and released by Pure Prog Records at the tail end of 2012, is also a pretty solid listen; although it doesn't chart any new territory, Reborn is an enjoyable slab of hard-edged progressive power metal.
When listening to Thabu, the first name that comes to mind is immediately Symphony X. While calling Thabu a clone act might be a bit unfair, they come dangerously close on Reborn - their mix of dark power metal riffs, melodic keyboard lines, soaring vocals, and progressive tempo changes sounds an awful lot like some of Symphony X's earlier offerings, and James Robeldo's gruff and powerful vocal style sounds eerily similar to Russell Allen at times. Comparisons to Russell Allen are always a compliment in my book, but it does detract from Thabu's already questionable originality. Reborn does contain some impressive progressive metal compositions, however, with the powerful opening track “A Game of Lies”, the seriously heavy “Hunting Sinners”, and the quirky instrumental “Violentango” (even if it is an odd choice for a closing track) particularly standing out.
All of Reborn is well-composed and exceptionally played, though, so progressive metal listeners should have no problem enjoying what Thabu has to offer. Although the album's muffled production is mildly detrimental to my overall listening experience, as is the band's generally 'safe' attitude, Reborn sports enough high points to outweigh its shortcomings. Thabu's sophomore offering may not be essential, but any fan of Symphony X, Evergrey, and Anubis Gate would be proud to have this in their collection.