A GLORIOUS DISTURBANCE

You never get a second chance to make a first impression; Syzygy's new DVD/CD release, "A Glorious Disturbance" delivers the goods to Syzygy fans, both visually and sonically. Beginning with the DVD package itself, the cover artwork visually invites the listener to dig deep into this masterpiece. Complete with lyrics and a band poster, the package sets the listener up for 'Syzygy live", recorded in 2009/10, with added bonuses of band interviews, "in studio" analysis of the bands history and compositional approach to their music. All three discs provide nearly five hours of viewing and listening pleasure.

DVD #1 covers ten Syzygy originals, spanning all three studio releases, and two cover encores, In the Dead of the Night, by UK and Burn by Deep Purple. As one watches, the viewer is confronted by Syzygy's power, dynamics, artistry and composisitional complexity, seemingly performed with ease and joy, all in 5.1 Suroundsound! Syzygy's ability to maintain a heavy/hard rock foundation to their music, all the while playing pieces that tend to follow a classical writing format, makes their music exciting to watch, and even more exciting to emulate for the musician in the viewing audience. This is confirmed after viewing the "Special Feature" DVD, especially the "Writting of Realms" where Sam (keyboards) and Carl (guitar) break down each piece from their third studio release Realms of Eternity. The writing structure, as well as the individual musical expertice shines forth for both the listener and the musician. The encore of Deep Purple's " Burn" showcases the strength of Syzygy; hard driving rock, flawless musicianship and vocals, combined with a creative 1970's-ish concert ending finale.

DVD # 2 the "Special Feature" covers the bands early days to the present, as the cover band Abraxas, to WitsEnd and finally Syzygy. What is really cool, about this DVD are the photos and concert footage provided from the Abraxas and early WitsEnd days. The "Writing of Realms" reveals the inner logic, compositional and productional approach of the band; the "making of the Dialectic" was especially enjoyable to watch, displaying the seriousness Syzygy took to deliver the "finished product." The DVD concludes with a Syzygy round table, what strikes me about this interview is the sheer "like-ability" of each band member.

A Glorious Disturbance is a "must have" for any prog. fan; from the cover art, production, audio/visual effects and of course musicianship, Syzygy has given its current (and future) fans a chronological glimpse (from their genesis to their current form) and a quality product of the highest degree, that will stand the test of time.

Syzygy fans can only hope that the bands next release will be recorded and released soon!