ALBUM REVIEW: Asymmetry – Wheel of Time

Weaved from the mind of one Jimme Hong, Asymmetry is the debut full length album from Beijing based progressive power metal project WHEEL OF TIME. Created in much the same was as projects such as AVANTASIA or AYREON, the music is created solely by the songwriting talent of one individual and joined by numerous guest musicians across the album. With Hong’s decision to name the project after possibly the most epic book series in American literature it gives the listener an expectation of something truly extraordinary. 

Within very little time Asymmetry soars with just the right amount of bombast and spectacle for fans of power metal while incorporating many different ideas and technicality to impress those of the more progressive metal persuasion. The album launches off into the first track Grand Cosmos like a rocket, straight into the frenetic drums and riffing. Many moments in the song are reminiscent of DREAM THEATER with the anthemic vocals and striking keyboards, provided fittingly by former DREAM THEATER keyboardist Derek Sherinian. 

The album doesn’t waste a single second with every track bringing in a new influence to keep up momentum, from the David Gilmour inspired lap steel guitar at the beginning of Blind Sight, or the clear STRATOVARIUS inspiration for Addicted! China Moon is where the album reaches its most serene. Bringing the intensity right back for a soothing piece of music which beautifully showcases the Chinese guzheng instrument before rising into an epic classical outro worthy of a film score. Also featured is of course an impressive array of guest musicians to give the album the majesty it deserves including; Timo Tolkki, Craig Cairns, Michele Luppi and many more. As well as the obvious talent that they all bring a uniqueness to each song which further helps keep the music from feeling stagnant. 

If there is a point of contention with Asymmetry it’s that the album is frankly too short. With eight tracks, all but two sitting under the seven minute mark, there is a desire for more when the album comes to a close. When considering epic masterpieces such as BLIND GUARDIAN’s Nightfall On Middle Earth, or Avantasia’s The Scarecrow, one can’t help but think Asymmetry is a tad restrained as it’s clear that an album that stands alongside some of the most ambitious music in the genre is well within WHEEL OF TIME’s ability if what we have here is proof of anything. But if the only thing that could improve an album is simply by having more of it, that should be reason to consider Jimmy Hong’s debut album under the WHEEL OF TIME name a stirring success. The seamless incorporation of countless musical ideas alongside a sub genre as routine as power metal is a level of songwriting skill many bands would take several albums to develop. With a penchant for creating vivid and fantastical imagery with their music, and with a wealth of talent willing to be involved, WHEEL OF TIME’s future is certainly worth keeping an eye out for.

Rating: 8/10

Asymmetry is out now via self-release.

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