Titus’ line-up on this album is somewhat different of the one on “Fade” (see my review in an earlier edition). Here, Titus consisted of Benjamin Carrancho (vocals and guitar), Jon Buckley (lead guitar), Enoque Carrancho (keyboards), Abel Ferreira (Bass), and Louis Cordeiro (drums). “Times Flying” was recorded in December 1997 at B# Studios, where it was engineered and produced by J.P. Destefani.

“Times Flying” kicks off with the title track, which is introduced by Enoque’s cathedral- like keys before muted guitar strumming turn it into something between pop-rock and progressive rock. These tones are interrupted by bridges (or are they interludes?) that are heavier – particularly in terms of riffing and drums. All throughout, Enoque shows off some flexible finger-work on synth (note to self: find out if this is the same Enoque that played for Agro before deserting us for the Northern Hemisphere). In true prog-rock fashion, however, the guitars do not allow this to go on without some sleek soloing – Mr. Buckley shows off with some great shredding. A great part of the song to me comes at the end – a repeat of the heavier bridge/interlude with a very tight metal edge to it.

Next up is ‘Rotten Apple’, another prog-rock song with a 80s-like edge mainly brought about by the riffing and the synth melodies. This is quite a long track, stretching well over seven minutes, but thanks to professional arrangement and a combination of a wide array of original ideas, the song does not become too long. Although the guitars and keyboards work hard to lead the song, the drums and bass manage to lay down a firm foundation throughout, especially during many clever time-changes and solo-pieces.

Track three is called “Too late when You’re Dead”, and opens with some awesome keyboards that creates an aura that is somewhat mystical. This is polished off with some blues-like guitar work before a sudden snare introduces a verse that brings together some key rock elements. Again, this is replaced with a heavier instrumental interlude dripping with old-school metal (thus obviously catching my attention!), before leading into some more progressive melodies. For some reason the vocals here remind me of Sugardrive, bringing a unique quality without dominating the song.

“Times Flying” signs off with an instrumental known as ‘Pharaohs Tomb’, a great piece of music that combines elements of those-old-Egyptian-sounds with great rock and metal guitar work and drums. This is without a doubt my favourite track on the album, not only because it displays so many great riffs, novel melodies, and awesome rhythm work, but also because it is arranged in such a way that it never degenerates into a boring instrumental like so many others do. This track is filled with both power and pathos – very well executed!