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Review:
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A bit of a buzz surrounds this disc and the band that
created it. The cover of the latest Progression magazine
pronounces Syzygy "the best prog band you've never heard."
Shortly after reading the issue, I received a copy of Realms
Of Eternity and, while I still haven't decided if Syzygy
is the best prog band I've never heard (you see, I've heard
them now and….), I do think that their latest disc is certainly
one of the best discs of 2009. This is quite a surprise
for moi at least, for I tried initially to avoid listening
to this disc and writing this review.***
For those of you who are ignorant of Syzygy's work,
as I have been until very recently, the band has a modern,
heavy take on classic European style progressive rock. With
the high energy immediacy of metal and the studied perfection
of 1970's vintage symphonic prog, Syzygy blends the best
of old and new to present us with a very satisfying and
exciting new release. For lack of any better reference,
Realms Of Eternity reminds this listener of the recent works
of bands like Presto Ballet, Darwin's Radio and echoes of
Transatlantic's first release, all mixed with the Swedish
sound of, ah … let's say Simon Says and The Flower Kings
as well as hints of ELP, Yes, Gentle Giant and even Lucifer's
Friend on the disc's fine opening track "Darkfield." The
band members are all extremely talented players and Syzygy's
well developed music allows a multitude of opportunities
for them to make use of that talent. This time the band
brings in a guest vocalist, Mark Boals, on a couple of tracks
to raise the vocal level of excellence to the same heights
as their instrumental work. This is all to the good, as
this release, despite my best efforts to the contrary, has
quickly grown to be one of my favorite discs of recent years.***
Following "Dark Field" is the excellent instrumental,
"Vanitas," and then "Dreams," with its serpentine center
section and powerful vocals, particularly in the tunes anthemic
chorus. At this point a break from the exhilaration of the
first three very energetic tracks is needed and Syzygy provides
just that with "Echoes Remain." Nimble acoustic guitar blends
with synthesized strings and flutes and the band delivers
more relaxed and pleasantly wispy vocals here.***
Coming next is "Dialectic" where Syzygy turns their
highly focused approach to what at first appears to be another
gentle acoustic oriented piece of material. A quick look
at the liner notes however reveals that this will be a 16
minute opus. A magnificent ride ensues as the initial theme
is played upon again and again, broken each time with jubilant
and imaginative instrumental passages. The ensemble work
by this band is incomparable and their fine song craft allows
each member their time to shine within the framework of
strong melody, smoothly executed counterpoint and complex
harmony lines.***
Finishing off the disc is the groups epic, "The Sea,"
a nearly 30 minute multi-part suite. As befits its title,
"The Sea" encompasses calm and gentle interludes and raging,
crashing waves of swirling instrumental interplay.***
You know how in every prog album there those passages
in some tunes that just don't hold your interest? Well,
on this release, there are remarkably few. Syzygy's music
is nearly always completely engaging and, dare I say, at
times transcendent.*** A band this good that I was unaware
of, how is this possible?***
One of the best things about progressive rock music
is the thrill of finding a wonderful new band or a fine
new album and with the release of Realms Of Eternity, I
get to enjoy both aspects of a new discovery. Syzygy is
a band I'll be paying close attention to in the future and
their new disc is one I'll be keeping in the CD changer
for some time, I'm sure.***
Without question, Realms Of Eternity is a must have
disc.***
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