This is, fittingly, the third (self-released) album from the prog metal Florida duo of guitarist Lance Benedict and keyboardist Ray Zarate. Like Rush on a collision course with Black Sabbath, the pair combine Benedict’s guitar pyrotechnics with Zarate’s soaring, keyboard histrionics for elaborate, bombastic suites that are glued together with suitably gloomy/doomy gothic lyrics of murder, mayhem and debauchery. Darker Side of You is actually two songs in one, with the chorus sections delivering surprisingly sedate, melodic passages. Zarate bears his fangs with occasional Steven Tyler-ish yelping. Zarate’s high-pitched voice on “Eyes of Deception” bears more than a passing resemblance to Journey’s Steven Perry. Most of the album focuses on the pair’s considerable musical talents with half the album clocking in with sidelong tracks topping the fifteen minute mark. Their straightforward interpretation of Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett’s “Superstar” would be the perfect single to attract listeners to the album, even if, or perhaps because it sounds like Journey covering The Carpenters. I also liked the melancholic “Rain,” with Zarate reining in (pardon the pun) his tonsil exercises and Benedict switching over to a sublime acoustic guitar background. There’s a bright future waiting to be discovered.- Jeff Penczak

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. 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

Planet 13 introduces themselves with 6 tracks and about 67 minutes in duration on the new release, Third From The Right. Their CD has very professional artwork and is both technically and visually clever. This USA act performs a "darker" version of progressive rock, psychologically nearer to the legacy of groups like Rush, Fates Warning, Queensryche and Dream Theater, but with strong writing, attitudes and original messages all their own. We can also find here an exciting version of Carpenters song Superstar, in which Planet 13 gives a new breath. Planet 13 has offered us very coherent songs full of quality material, I will be listening to this record for a long time to come while analyzing the approaches of production and Lance Benedict and Ray Zarate’s brilliant talent. This album takes me way back to the influences of the 70's and connects to the modern day. Finally, Third From The Right is an excellent release which showcases the performing potential of this USA act. 9/10

PLANET 13/Third From The Right (Red Shoe Records) This was an awesome rollercoaster ride that I did not want to get off of. Brilliant progressive metal that will take you on an emotional ride that you will not soon forget. The songs are long, never boring, and just brim with passion and emotion I could almost feel them playing right in front of me. This is a 2 man band/project and let me tell you, they blow away 99% of the signed progressive metal bands I have heard. Great vocals as he sucks you in with his voice and delivery and is perfect for this type of music. A must have for everybody. Info: www.planetthirteen.com