An advert in a San Fransico magazine reading "Hackett seeks Banks, Rutherford, Gabriel, Collins. Object: Suppers Ready." was the beginning of the band Metaphor. From the handful of people responding to the advert an 'early Genesis' cover band was formed in 1993, playing about 3 hours worth of material. While the line-up underwent some changes, the band shifted to a more original approach with own compositions. In 1999 they recorded their first album Starfooted, which is now released by the Galileo label.
Metaphor consists of Bob Koehler (Drums), John Mabry (Vocals & Acoustic Guitar), Jim Post (Bass), Malcolm Smith (Electric & Acoustic Guitars), Marc Spooner (Leyboards).
The whole thing just oozes Genesis, the way the instruments are played, the Gabriel-esque vocals, the arrangements, the time signatures and tempo changes, the overload of lyrics, the medieval feel of some of the songs ....
Influences by other bands (among whom IQ and Marillion) can be detected as well, but are nowhere near as obvious as the Genesis ones. The whole album sounds like something that could easily have been 'the great lost Genesis album'. For instance, a track like Starfooted in a Garden of Cans sounds like a direct remake of Back in New York City.
It's all done in a very good way and there are some fine moments and melodies to be found on the album. However, after a couple of songs this all gets quite boring. The I've heard it all before factor is omnipresent and never does the band venture into an own, original sound.
The biblical concept of the album describes the story of the creation of Earth, Adam and Eve, the coming of Christ, etc from the Gnostics point of view. Not what I would call a fresh, realistic topic. Then again, I'm easily put off by music with religious themes (or religion in general).
As I expected, lots of other prog magazines and e-zines are raving about the album (besides the suposed Britney Spears quote "This is real dogcrap!", which proves the band's good sense of humour). I personally find it a real shame that such talented musicians have choosen for such a retrospective sound and bland copying of their heroes.
If you're one of those people that think that music stopped in 1975 when Gabriel left Genesis this CD is for you. If you like a more original approach and are not interested in the next Genesis wanna-be-band to come around, better think twice before you buy this CD.
For some samples of the bands music, visit their Homepage.
Conclusion: 6 out of 10.