X-RAYED

"X-Rayed" is SYLVAN's fourth studio album and is following consequently the path taken by their third CD Artificial Paradise. Compared to AP the sound is a little bit more powerful and rough, but without lack of the characteristics of SYLVAN's music.

Though XR is no real concept album, there exists a global theme, which connects the song with each other. Each song tells the story of a person trying to deal very personally with their individual situation. Those people are ,x-rayed' and their inner world displayed.

To be honest: when I first listened to "X-Rayed" I was a bit disappointed, because I had hoped it would be just as good as its predecessor. Actually I still think AP is a bit better than XR, but on the other hand I must admit that this is also due to the fact that AP is more "accessible" and XR just needs some more time to "settle in".

Personal favourites of "XR" would be: "So Easy", "So Much More", "Belated Gift", Today" and the absolute epic of "XR" would be "Given - Used - Forgotten". But even the "weaker tracks" aren't week at all. They are all still way above average!

So for that reason I'm glad I didn't review XR right away, but really lead it "sink in" first. Now, after listening to XR for about twenty plus times I think I can say that it also is a four star album. Really! A bit more rough and less polished, but that's what even makes it get better and better each time you listen to it. I could review all album track by track again, but I don't really see the point here. Let me just say that if you liked "AP" and "PS" you will (eventually) also like "XR"! Great album!