Band:	Within Y
Album:	Extended Mental Dimensions
Style:	Melodic death metal
Website:	http://www.facebook.com/withiny
Release date:	2004
Guest review by:	Passenger

01. Lost In Solitude
02. God In Silence
03. Remains Of A Shattered Illusion
04. Things
05. Injection
06. Face Down
07. Behold
08. Silently Leaving
09. Feeble And Weak
10. Sacred Lies

Melodic Death Metal. Sweden. One of the most successful scenes in Metal music. The fusion of Death and Thrash with a big focus on the melody that popularized names like In Flames, At The Gates or Dark Tranquillity didn't stop giving birth to interesting bands and solid albums ever since it started in the 90's. Some claim the style is becoming repetitive as so many bands today try to copy later ones. Well, let's put it this way, fact is that formulas that work will always be copied by others, and many do it perfectly. Within Y offers no innovation to what some of the previously mentioned bands already explored, but they are here to give continuation to a great legacy, not to start another.

First remarks have to go to the production, I'm impressed with the great quality of the sound, not many bands can be proud of sounding this good on their debut. Another thing that surprised me was the symphonic ending on 'Injection'. This also isn't something new (hear Darkane for example), but I wasn't expecting that a new band, clearly still playing so close to their main influences and having a direct approach to extreme Metal, to do some experimentation on their debut. Anyway, it is very good but it probably should have been a separated song, because it doesn't seem to come as a continuation of the track and only like that would make sense to unite both parts.

Though this is a good release I have to say it lacks memorable moments. Sure, there are great songs, with lots of catchy riffs and chorus and some solos really stand out (in fact some veteran bands could learn how to make interesting solos with this guitar duo), but you won't hear any song that you can say "in 10 years people will still remember this one". It's full of songs that would never be picked up as singles on an In Flames album, for example. Unfortunately it ends up getting a bit repetitive and this feeling is, in part, a consequence of that first situation.

"Extended Mental Dimensions" shows that Within Y are better then average, but not impressive. At least still, they have talent and care about some details that many wouldn't have the perception to notice in the beginning of their careers, which is great, but they need to focus more on making stronger songs before, a more captivating record. Other then that make sure you have a strong neck, because you will headbang intensively during most of it no matter what.

Favourite tracks: 'God In Silence', 'Things', 'Sacred Lies'