Planet 13 - "Third from The Right" Review

Artist/ Band: Planet 13
Title: Third From The Right
Label: Red Shoe Records
Year of Release: 2006
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

I must admit to not knowing what the album ‘Third from The Right’ by Planet 13 was all about when it arrived at my mail box. It’s the band’s 3rd studio album (the other two were, the self-titled debut album from 2004 and One Way Ticket from 2005). I haven’t heard either of the previous releases but I’m pretty sure they have the same excitement going on them Planet 13 is a duo consisting of Ray Zarate (vocals, keys, piano) and Lance Benedict (guitars, drums, producer) but they sound like a 5 or 6 piece band.

Planet 13’s music is best described as hard progressive rock focusing more on the rock side. At times there is some metal moments but not enough to say they’re prog-metal. On ‘Third From The Right’ there are only 6 songs, 3 of which are over 15 minutes. They even include a very faithful cover song “Superstar” penned by Leon Russell but made famous by The Carpenters.

It took me several listens to fully take in all of the ambience of the album and once it did, it was magical. Planet 13 is relatively unknown in the music circles I’m involved in but they do deserve to be discovered by more people, especially those into bands like Black Sabbath (Dio-era mostly), Rush, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd and the list goes on and on. Just do yourself a big favor and pick up a copy of 'Third From The Right' today. It‘s by far one of the better albums to surface in 2006. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on Novemeber 4th, 2006

Tracks:

1. Darker Side Of You

2. Eyes of Deception

3. Superstar

4. The Quest

5. Rain

6. Zero