Hmm... I honestly thought Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond was a great album. Its funny that you find it repetitive. The reason why a lot of people don't like Zero Hour is actually the opposite -- meaning they don't repeat enough. There's no verse/chorus structure to their music. Each song is an epic piece that twists and turns in a thousand different directions. The tremendous ammount of musical knowledge they employ in their compositions garners much respect in my book. I really enjoy the sound they come up with -- its a challenging, intense listening experience. If I might make a suggestion, why don't you try focussing on one Zero Hour song at a time rather than simply ingesting the whole album at once. Each song is so elaborate, I'd recommend listening to one song a few times on repeat and get the feel for it. After awhile, the complexity and intensity of their sound will click, and you'll either dig it or not. But at least maybe you'll get a feel for why so many people enjoy Zero Hour.
And you're not the only one to dislike Zero Hour on this board or among this festivals patrons. Sadly, Zero Hour are one of the last great Prog Metal bands out there. And with the reaction Zero Hour got last Prog Power, you can really see how increasingly removed the audience is getting from the Prog side in the Prog Power Festival.
With Zero Hour playing the two shows for the Bay Area Rock Fest, I really think this band deserves all the props they can get. They're an easy band to dismiss next to a rockin' dark power metal band. But they are just as, if not more rewarding to listen to.
Of their four albums, I like Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond the best and Metamorphisis second best. I love the piano and keyboards on the debut Metamorphisis -- it really added a lot of color and melody to their sound. I'm honestly surprised Bear agrees with me on this one. We usually argue more
NP: Seventh Wonder - Waiting in the Wings
(would really love to see these guys play Prog Power, they'd be the perfect addition for the PROG side)
The Michael