ARTIFICIAL PARADISE

Sylvan

Neo-Prog

3.84 | 219 ratings

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Prognut
Prog Reviewer

Wow!!!.. I would not have expected this much improvement.

About 2 years ago, I got "Encounters" and I was really disappointed; In spite of all the good reviews, I felt they were overrated...I gave it a couple of spins, and went to my shelves. Well, I decided to give Sylvan another shot and got this album "Artificial Paradise" which probably can be classify as a "? concept" album on a song format, more or less regarding human emotions and the ups and down of our human condition, exemplified by the fantastic art work-cover (a casino table), resembling dishonesty ?..!!..Anyways, they are a basic 5-member band they play Neo-Prog with Metal overtones. In addition, IMHO this is how Neo-Prog/Metal should sound!!..Moreover, probably too accessible for some prog-heads!

The production is terrific, Mr. Gluhmann voice is pretty much made for this type of music, and the overall interplay of musicians is excellent. Being said that, they will not probably get first price in originality, but their music is just "too cool", melodious and addicted; the type of music that I can play when I have guests at home without running them away, and my daughter likes very much...and, I am saying all that as a compliment!!

Vocal centered, but with good dose of guitar, which makes an excellent combination overall. Not your complex, multi-layered and sophisticated Symphonic music by any means; very simple and accessible; makes me proud to be a prog fan. Because this kind of music can actually be played in radio, but will probably not just, because the "progressive" touches.

The only stinker is track three "Strange Emotion", which I skip all the time. The CD open with a really Neo-Prog stunner and, finish with an epic 20+ minutes that have some "minimal" Symphonic overtones to it, and never get to be too Metal..!!

There is another "new" album from these guys, which probably I will get too. 4 solid stars, Highly recommended to Neo-Progressive fans or Metal fans that want to experiment and grow progressive...again, this is just my opinion!

Prognut | 4/5 | 2004-6-4

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