MONUMENTATA

'Monumentata' is a 2025 solo studio album by Nad Sylvan, a prominent figure in the world of progressive rock from the 2010s onwards, known for his incredible performances as the voice of Steve Hackett's live and band, and also for his strong and expansive solo output, predominantly released by Inside Out Music. This new LP by the Swedish-born musician is a personal, daring and musically eclectic collection of songs that dares to offer a fine cross-genre examination of Sylvan's innermost ponderings and concerns, to put it this way. The broad spectrum of styles and arrangements tackled on 'Monumentata' is what makes it an exciting yet accessible modern prog album, that not only continues to be a string of excellent releases (particularly symphonic and retro-prog works like 'Courting the Widow' and 'The Bride Said No') but it also expands Nad Sylvan's palette of sounds, approaching something of a Steven Wilson-esque level of writing and performing.

And speaking of the music on 'Monumentata', it is worthy to mention the myriad of excellent collaborators, among which the names of Tony Levin, Randy McStine, Nick Beggs, Jonas Reingold, Lalle Larsson and Marco Minneman come up. Sylvan utilizes the strengths of each musician in a beautiful way, as the album impresses with the excellent synth leads, the prominent and delightful bass guitars, and the majestic guitar solos, which grace multiple songs on 'Monumentata' - all of this accompanying one of the most lavish and recognizable voices in progressive rock nowadays. And so, as personal and revealing as the songs and their lyrics can get, it is the carefully curated soundscapes and fine arrangements that go along with each different story Sylvan is telling that really matter here. There is, of course, a sufficient amount of proggy goodness on dynamic and groovy tracks like 'That's Not Me', 'Wildfire' and 'I'm Stepping Out', but Sylvan also dares to explore atmospheric pop ballads ('Flowerland' and 'Make Somebody Proud') and tantalizing art rock tunes ('Secret Lover' and 'Monte Carlo Priceless' being quite rewarding), all of which give 'Monumentata' its musical value and gorgeous sonic contrasts. This album should be a fine and enjoyable listen for someone looking for contemporary crossover prog with strong leanings into pop and art rock defined by gracious vocals and brilliant arrangements.

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