VOX HUMANA

I usually don't write reviews, mainly due to lack of time. In this case, it is worth dedicating some time to highlight the extraordinary work of these prog millennials (which I thought was an extinct species :) ). I also learned this morning that writing reviews has an effect on the overall rating, so I am putting my 2 cents to inform this community of an extraordinary event.

This is by far the best prog album I have listened to in 2016, and arguably the best new prog band since IQ. In my opinion, It is the textbook definition of what a prog rock album should sound like. An incredible collection of beautiful melodies, carefully harmonized and constantly progressing to keep the creativity flowing throughout the album, avoiding being repetitive. Lots of keyboards, reinforced by great guitar, voices and excellent instrumentation. CD2 is the closest to Misplaced Childhood Side A that I have heard. One long beautiful song with all kind of musical variations and a spectacular finale.

Kyros (Previously Synaesthesia) is a new breed of prog rock. Hard to place into one category, I tend to associate much more with Neo-Prog bands like Marillion, IQ, Pallas, Pendragon, DeeExpus, Twelfth Night among others, however keeping their own personality and versatility of sounds. Definitely not Crossover as described on the header.

Vox Humana is an incredible musical achievement. CD1 has excellent songs as Cloudburst and Persistence of Vision. However, CD2 is much stronger and balanced. It is about an artificial human created by a scientific and all the implications of messing with human creation. The experiment goes out of control and the humanoid turns into a monster. The music and voices tell the story magnificently with several peaks and valleys emphasizing different elements of the script. First part of the album starts slow, building momentum from the beginning (Mind Electric) brilliantly transitioned to Speak to Me showing a phenomenal talent in keyboards and paving the path to Persistence of Perfection. After Monster, it transitions into a slower mood only to progressively grow to the last part of the album with Ego and Dilate, fully energized with an epic finale incorporating great keyboards and a superb guitar solo.

If you like IQ, Marillion (OLD) and other Neo-Prog bands in general, Vox Humana is a must in your collection. This is one of few albums that I place in the same league as Selling England, Subterranea, The Wake, Misplaced Childhood, The Wall, and Close to the Edge, just to give you an idea.