Artension - Sacred Pathways (2002)

Through my power metal trip, there are going to be certain artists I just don't like, and there have been a few I've decided to just leave for the time being. One is ShadowKeep, while I've also pretty much given up on Manticora, even though some seem to hold them in high regard. They're just too tough for me.
Artension is another band I've been "eehh" about, not helped by them not really being a power metal band anyway, being more in the "progressive/neo-classical" group. But I've got their stuff, and there are only a couple more albums to go (this is their fifth), so I might as well see them out. And, like their previous MACHINE, I do quite like this. I keep mentioning keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij, which is fair enough, since he's the driving force, and my love of keyboards means his regular flourishes do tend to keep me entertained, and can even be soothing at times.
The songs themselves are reasonable, highlights including "Sacred Pathways" and "Nightmare".  Artension is probably a band I'll soon forget when I'm finished with them, but they've not been a dead loss, showing professionalism throughout.

***