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IZZ

Symphonic Prog • United States


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Izz picture
Izz biography
Founded in New York, USA in 1996 - Still active as of 2019

IZZ, from New York, originates with the Galgano brothers. Tom (keyboards, vocals) and John (bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals) grew up listening to music together, so it was a natural step for them to join forces as musicians. John Met Greg DiMiceli (drums and percussion) in college, and thus started a domino effect of introductions. Greg begat Brian Coralian (drums and Percussion) and Paul Bremner (lead guitar), and Paul begat Phil Gaita (bass). As musicians do, they all jammed together and eventually IZZ was formed (the name taken from one of John's favorite Mets players). However, Paul was in another band, so he was not yet an official member.

In 1998 "Sliver of a Sun" was released. For the debut, John handled lead guitar, and Phil was on bass. While putting the finishing touches on the album, Tom met Laura Meade and Anmarie Byrnes. The ladies did not join the club right away, but their vocal and compositional talents would come to have a profound impact on the IZZ sound later on.

2002's "I move" saw Phil's departure, and the permanent addition of Paul Bremner. This also meant that John was now on Bass duty. The core of the band was now set with a strong lead guitariist, and the unusual aspect of dual drummers.

In 2004 the band released a collection of previously unused material called "Ampesand Vol. 1." It consisted of outtakes from the first two albums, and some live tracks. It was a decent curiosity, but real excitement was brewing with the following release.
The release of "My River Flows" in 2005 really started to turn some heads. The band was very good before, but the addition of Laura and Anmarie, and the growth of the group itself drove them to create their most accomplished work to date. Enthusiasm for IZZ grew as the album got more exposure. The live shows were also met high praise. This culminated with their appearance at NEARfest 2007, which was considered one of the best performances that year. Thankfully it was recorded and released simply as "Live at Nearfest."

IZZ is frequently seen on the Progressive Rock festival circuit. They are influenced by the usual classics (Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, The Beatles, etc.), and also modern bands, like Radiohead. There are even those that see a certain pop element in the music, mostly due to Tom Galgano and Laura Meade's vocals. They seem to have no exceptions when it comes to incorporating styles. It is...
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IZZ discography


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IZZ top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.57 | 70 ratings
Sliver Of A Sun
1999
3.70 | 103 ratings
I Move
2002
3.09 | 52 ratings
Ampersand
2004
3.89 | 120 ratings
My River Flows
2005
4.03 | 156 ratings
The Darkened Room
2009
3.88 | 188 ratings
Crush Of Night
2012
3.80 | 159 ratings
Everlasting Instant
2015
3.46 | 43 ratings
Ampersand, Volume 2
2016
3.91 | 241 ratings
Don't Panic
2019

IZZ Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.01 | 25 ratings
Live at Nearfest
2007

IZZ Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

3.93 | 9 ratings
Live
2011

IZZ Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

IZZ Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

3.75 | 4 ratings
Places To Hide
2010
3.80 | 5 ratings
Red Rain
2011
3.68 | 10 ratings
Half Life
2020

IZZ Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 My River Flows by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.89 | 120 ratings

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My River Flows
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

5 stars For one reason or another, my path and that of Izz did not cross until 2017, when I came across their 2009 album 'The Darkened Room', which I loved. At that time, I was still working hard on my books, and didn't follow-up on their catalogue, which I fully intended to do, and then in 2019 I was sent the masterpiece which is 'Don't Panic' and I was determined not to lose track of them again. Bassist/guitarist/pianist/singer John Galgano and I have since kept in touch, and he thought I might be interested in hearing their 2005 album 'My River Flows' and how right he was. This was their third full studio album (the previous year's 'Ampersand' being a collection of outtakes from the first two albums plus some live tracks) and the same core quintet were still here with John joined by Paul Bremner (electric guitar), Tom Galgano (keyboards, piano, organ, vocals), Brian Coralian (drum programming, acoustic & electronic percussion), and Greg DiMiceli (drums, percussion). On the previous album, singers Anmarie Byrnes and Laura Meade had guested on a song each, but here Anmarie has two and Laura four. Anmarie would then sing on the next two studio albums on her own before being joined again by Laura for the following two, with the band these days being the same septet which recorded this album some 16 years ago.

If it ain't broke, why fix it? There has been no need to make any changes to the line-up just because they are just so damn good together. They may not have been the most prolific band in prog history, but when every album is such a delight who cares? This is all about quality as opposed to quantity and coming to this album as if it were a brand-new release is a total delight as everything about this is simply wonderful from start to finish. There are a lot of pianos on this album, which gives it a very different feeling to bands who "just" use keyboards. The bass is sometimes a lead instrument, and while not as chunky as Chris Squire it sounds just right within the context, and guitars can crunch or drive through, whatever the arrangement requires. Ah, the arrangement, this is what really makes their music stand out as while there is often great complexity there is always a purpose within it. They bring in dated keyboard sounds or acoustic guitars as the music demands, and for a band with two drummers/percussionists they are not in your face nearly as much as one might imagine.

This is progressive rock music, which is warm and comfortable on first hearing, like settling down with an old blanket in a favourite chair, and the longer the listener is in the zone the less chance there is of them getting up and doing anything else. All singers have wonderful pitch and emotion, and the listener soon finds themselves deep inside the world of Izz. There is deep contrast contained within the music, combined with a sense of beauty and almost reverence, which makes this a true voyage of discovery for any prog traveller, who will make it to their destination with a broad smile on their face. I do still have one or two Izz albums to discover in their back catalogue, something I am looking forward very much indeed, and let us also hope there is a new album soon. If you have yet to come across the mighty Izz then I urge you to do so today.

 Half Life by IZZ album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2020
3.68 | 10 ratings

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Half Life
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars American proggers Izz are back with an EP to tide us over until the next album, which is due out in 2021. I have the digital release, which contains three new songs and a previously unreleased live version of "The Wait of It All," a track originally featured on their 2004 EP, 'Ampersand Volume 1'. However, for those who purchase the vinyl edition, this comes with an additional 20 minute long piece of music, "The Car Crash Suite", which is taken from Paul Bremner's solo album (featuring all members of IZZ). I cannot comment on that as I have not heard it, but the 20 minutes I do have is fine enough. The septet are the same line-up as the wonderful last album, 'Don't Panic', which means they have four singers available and they make full use of these with swapping lead vocals and plenty of harmonies.

The title track was originally written and recorded a few years ago, but on listening to it again a decision was mde to remix it and make it available seeing as how it was lyrically fitting with the current situation. Opener "The Soul Of Music' commences with delicate piano, rippling and swirling before the rest of the band come in, quite Transatlantic in nature with some very Chris Squire-like basslines before the layered vocals take over. "Into The Sun" is far more based on acoustic guitar, with orchestral keyboards and delicate percussion, showing a quite different side of the band. Izz have never been content to fit firmly within any particualr musical form and have often switched things around and that is again very true of this EP. The title cut is firmly centered on the bass and vocals, with gentle keyboards and wailing guitar in the background, the song only really lifting on the bridge. The three songs are very different to each other, yet still full of their trademark harmonies and strong use of arrangements. The live cut shows the band in a more "traditional" fashion, much more in keeping with their normal style, and the result is an EP which is a great addition to their canon, will hopefully gain them some new followers, and also please those who are eagerly awaiting the next album. They continue to operate at a very high level indeed, and for any proghead who has yet to come across them, what are you waiting for?

 Half Life by IZZ album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2020
3.68 | 10 ratings

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Half Life
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by alainPP

3 stars IZZ is an American group which has traveled well on various prog festivals to manage to refine their musical orientations. Here there is YES, a little TRANSATLANTIC, second half GENESIS and even MANFRED MANN as reference sounds. This ET is supposed to make the link with their next production, so as not to forget them? They offer 4 tracks for 20 minutes of music, and a B side of their guitarist of the same duration. "The Soul Of Music" begins with a classical piano intro leading to a musical land scent of the 70's, mellotron and drums setting the tone for the somewhat mysterious TRANSATLANTIC direction; the bass is also very present until the guitar solo, the end on GENESIS for the more enlightened keyboard, all in less than 5 minutes. "Into the Sun" arrives with a mellow song dominated here by John's ubiquitous bass; then a fruity synth fight here reminds me of good MANFRED MANN, it's energetic, invigorating, it's playful and more pop-rock than prog. "Half Life" title song of this mini EP on a very pop Phil COLLINS intro to catch your ears, a warm voice of Tom and Anmarie which gives pride of place to percusions, an agreed tune limit romantic ballad, title on the loss of someone and its consequences, an even more striking title in this covid year; simplicity and splendor united. "The Wait of it All" live by CalProg covers a track from "AMPERSAND" from 2004, a faster track than the previous ones; Laura's voice adds emotion to it while the second part of the title sees the synths come in and give a very symphonic character here; it is a bit like MAGENTA or MOSTLY AUTUMN at this precise moment; end with a precise and enlightened solo by Paul on guitar. An EP that denotes a bit by offering short titles that move away a little from their universe, although I could not listen to the B side, a transitional EP.
 Crush Of Night by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2012
3.88 | 188 ratings

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Crush Of Night
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by Matti
Prog Reviewer

4 stars (Originally reviewed in the Finnish prog magazine Colossus in 2013. This review is basically just a translation.)

New York based IZZ came into my radar with their sixth album, but better late than even later (you see, "never" isn't an option to me). Such a delight to find a new, highly skillful prog band that doesn't attempt to widen their audience with metallic aggression. Izz plays symphonic prog, and undoubtedly classics like Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant -- whose guitarist Gary Green guests on one track here -- have been influencers, but at the same time Izz sounds refreshingly modern.

Stylistic connections to pop, comparable to the likes of It Bites, don't decrease the charm at all, on the contrary. The arrangements are elegant as they combine art music flavoured, slightly Tori Amos reminding pianism with more synthetic soundscapes and the biting rock dynamics. The compositions are full of complexity and yet they stay away from self-indulgence.

The vocal harminies are mostly shared by the Galgano brothers while Anmarie Byrnes adds some female frequencies. Everything clicks together gorgeously. Perhaps the emotional pallette could be a bit wider on this album, but there's a lot to enjoy. Warmly recommended!

 I Move by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2002
3.70 | 103 ratings

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I Move
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars I, like many others, am a big fan of the latest album from Izz, 'Don't Panic' yet that and their 2009 album 'The Darkened Room' are the only two I had heard prior to this, which is a definite oversight on my part given how long they have been together and the number of albums they have released. So now we step back in time, all the way to 2002, where the core of the band was Paul Bremner (acoustic and electric guitars), Tom Galgano (keyboards, vocals), John Galgano (bass, electric and acoustic guitars, vocals), Brian Coralian (drum programming, acoustic and electronic percussion) and Greg DiMiceli (drums, percussion). This was the second album, and since the debut bassist Philip Gaita had left, but instead of bringing in another bassist John Galgano switched duties and they brought in guitarist Bremner who had assisted on the debut.

I glanced at the reviews on Prog Archives before writing this, and it is an album which really splits progheads, and I can certainly see why, as here Izz are experimenting, but not in a style which many prog lovers would appreciate. Some of the keyboard sounds utilised would be more at home in a dance and trip hop environment, and there is no doubt they move and switch genres in a way unlike many. There are sections of songs which if turned into a full number I would quickly turn away from, but in the context of the piece as a whole it works very well indeed. Possibly my views are more accepting and diverse than many, as although I would not like to hear a whole album of dance beats, I can understand and appreciate what is happening here. Overall, the music has a very modern sound indeed, even now listening to it some 18 years after the initial release, so it must have been quite a shock to many when it first came out.

It still contains some of the elements I have come to love about Izz, namely well-constructed songs with wonderful vocals and harmonies. Interestingly Laura Meades is involved in just one song, later becoming a full member of the band, and having a major impact on the overall sound. Complex yet still containing simplicity, it is fascinating to hear what the band sounded like all those years ago and how they have moved and consolidated since then. It is not an album which many progheads will enjoy just due to the styles of music contained within, but no-one can complain that it is not progressive in its truest sense. Funnily enough I can remember a conversation with Brian Devoil more than 25 years ago when he told me he felt the next major move in progressive rock music would be in this exact area! I wouldn't give this out as a starting point for anyone looking to discover Izz, and would turn to 'Don't Panic!' as the place to go, but this is still a much better album than many have been saying and I am so glad I have heard it.

 Don't Panic by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2019
3.91 | 241 ratings

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Don't Panic
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by Soul2Create

4 stars A spectacular tribute to Yes

While I could appreciate the Yes influence in their previous works, it was always accompanied with others such as Rush, Gentle giant or even The dear hunter. The difference here is that his album could have been done by Yes themselves, and to me this is always a good thing. All themes work very well as a whole and the album is easier to get into than their previous efforts. Let's get into the songs:

Don't panic: A modern Yes-in-the-face piece, dynamic, catchy and uplifting and the best way to start this album. I can hear influences from Conspiracy too, love the bass lines!. 9.5/10.

42: The epic of the album. Influences from the classic Yes everywhere. A minor complain is that in some sections the music does not seem to flow very well, but overall is a very good epic. 8/10

Six string theory: A short acoustic piece a-la Howe. A bit uninspired though. The weakest song in the album IMO. 5/10.

Moment of inertia: my favourite track here. I really think this is how Relayer could have sounded if Rick Wakeman had stayed. Grand piano evolving into a great jazz-fusion theme. 9.5/10.

Age of stars: this sounds more of IZZ and less of Yes. It is a mellow piece with a gorgeous chorus, showing that the band uses voices as another instrument instead of driving the music by them. The ending brings the listener to the first song chorus and closes the circle. 7.5/10.

Overall, one of the best 2019 albums, highly recommended, especially if you are a Yes fan.

 Don't Panic by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2019
3.91 | 241 ratings

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Don't Panic
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by friso
Prog Reviewer

3 stars This album by the American group IZZ has risen to the top of 2019's charts, which is easy to understand. That is, if you are a YES fan.

To me that represents playing lots of notes without creating any potent harmonies or melodies that have a story to tell. Like, for instance, the frantic opening of 'Close to the Edge'. To others these intricate noodling progressions might represent progressive rock at its best. The YES influences are almost everywhere, even influencing the vocals harmonies (the band has multiple singers) that are often quite flat as a result. The lyrics are given a dominant place in the music and having read them (on the lyrical sheet of the vinyl) I must admit I can't quite make up what they are even supposed to mean. As if they refer to some 'inside' knowlegde, for instance with the significance of the number '42' - which also is the title of the eighteen minute centerpiece. The acoustic piece 'Six String Theory' has a nice ring to it, but I fail to see how it fits in with this otherwise fully electric album.

Having said this, there are also some Gentle Giant influences on display, which I like. Furthermore, the killer instrumental track 'Moment of Inertia' on side two ought to impress listeners of all progressive traditions. The track sounds nothing like the others and sees the band building up nice amounts of energy. The final song 'Age of the Stars' sounds like a continuation and conclusion of the epic ('42') of the album. The 'Don't panic, don't panic' vocals are a rather dull ending section and the album finished abruptly.

The production of this album sounds a bit flat, but that might also be because of a rather poor vinyl pressing (which I noticed happening before with a Major Parkinson vinyl). Perhaps cd / digital sound better. I was thinking about rating this two stars, but the album was saved by the ten minutes of 'Moment of Inertia' - which I do like.

 Don't Panic by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2019
3.91 | 241 ratings

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Don't Panic
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

5 stars One of the downsides of being known as a reviewer who keeps scribbling words week after week, year after year (or in my case decade after decade), is that I rarely seek out additional music to listen to apart from what I have been sent. Indeed, I only grab a fraction of what is made available to me, and I am still miles behind where I like to be in terms of lead time. Yes, it's a nice problem to have, and I am very fortunate indeed, but there are times when it is something of a pain, which brings me to Izz. This is their ninth album yet is only the second of theirs I have written about, which means my musical experience is sadly lacking indeed as this is very special. The only other album I have heard of theirs is 2009's 'The Darkened Room' which I raved over, and here some ten years later I am going to be saying exactly the same. This is their ninth studio album, and five of the seven members were involved in the debut 20 years ago, and six were involved in 'The Darkened Room' ten years ago, so their stability is superb, and it shows in the music they are playing.

This is their third album with this line-up, which features no less than four singers and two drummers, and comprises Paul Bremner (electric and acoustic guitars), Anmarie Byrnes (vocals), Brian Coralian (electronic and acoustic drums and percussion), Greg DiMiceli (acoustic drums and percussion), John Galgano (bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, vocals), Tom Galgano (keyboards, vocals) and 'new girl' Laura Meade (vocals). What really strikes the listener is the complex simplicity, or is it simple complexity, of what is being presented. It is simple because it is incredibly accessible, an album it is possible to fully enjoy with a smile on the face the very first time it is played, yet these guys are creating arrangements which are massively over the top. This really comes to bear in the epic '42' which is nearly 19 minutes long, where everyone has their chance to shine. Four singers weaving harmonies, but they move through permutations so everyone has a chance to take the lead, and while Anmarie and Laura may be duetting, it is never quite as straightforward as that.

There are times when they come across as an Americanised version of Gentle Giant, and indeed guitarist Gary Green has been involved with the band in the past, while on the acoustic 'Six String Theory' (musical earwash following the intricate epic) Paul shows he is influenced very much by both Steves' Howe and Hackett. Listen to Tom swirling piano at the beginning of 'Moment of Inertia' and it is classic Wakeman, yet while these guys have been influenced by all those acts and others, they are creating modern progressive rock music which combines elements of all these and brings in so much more. The last time I reviewed Izz I said I would seek out more of their albums to find out what they have been doing and I really must. For anyone who wants their arrangements to be over the top yet to be able to easily understand what is happening, brought together with intricate melodies and superb vocals, then you too need to seek out Izz.

 Don't Panic by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2019
3.91 | 241 ratings

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Don't Panic
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by TenYearsAfter

4 stars UPDATE INTERESTING NEW PROG

IZZ is a New York based prog formation that was founded by the brothers Tom and John Galgano in the mid-Nineties, between 1998 and 2019 IZZ released a serie of studio ? and live albums, this review is about their latest CD entitled Don't Panic, from 2019.

1. Don't Panic (4:25) : This first track sounds like alternating melodic rock with prog tendencies featuring strong male and female vocals, a powerful Chris Squire-like bass sound, fiery electric guitar leads, sparkling piano runs in a mid-tempo, in the end first a mellow part, then a bombastic ending with the distinctive IZZ vocal lines.

2. 42 (18:41) : This long composition contains all elements of 24-carat melodic and harmonic symphonic rock (with hints from Yes and Glass Hammer): the climates shifts from dreamy and slow rhythm to bombastic eruptions, with a wonderful colouring by the vintage keyboards (lots of Mellotron choirs, along Minimoog and Hammond) and flowing guitar (often Howe inspired), and strong male and female vocals. The final part is breathtaking: a mid-tempo culminates in a bombastic atmosphere with an awesome Mellotron choir sound, a powerful and dynamic rhythm-section, strong female vocals and howling electric guitar runs, goose bumps!

3. Six String Theory (2:07) : Great title for a dreamy acoustic guitar duet, it sounds wonderful, very tender and warm, in the tradition of mellow Steve Howe.

4. Moment Of Inertia (9:46) : First a Grand piano intro and wonderful classical orchestrations, then a bombastic eruption with propulsive guitar work (Eighties King Crimson hints), a tight beat and a heavy guitar solo. What an exciting, very powerful and dynamic sound! Then captivating interplay between the Hammond and electric guitar, along another heavy guitar solo with biting runs. Halfway some laughter, then fat spectacular pitchbend driven Minimoog flights (obvious hints from first Rick Wakeman and then Keith Emerson, followed by a sensational guitar-synthesizer duel, a heavy guitar solo. And finally wonderful piano and moving electric guitar runs. Another impressive composition.

5. Age Of Stars (9:00) : This final track starts mellow with twanging guitars, dreamy male and female vocals and assorted percussion, topped with that strong bass sound. Next an accellaration with a tight beat and vocal harmonies, like the first song this sounds like melodic rock with prog tendencies (Eighties Yes comes to my mind). This is embellished with delicate work on guitar and keyboards, another trademark of IZZ. In the final part a bombastic eruption with Mellotron choir, female vocals, a spacey Minimoog solo, sumptuous Mellotron choir drops and sensitive electric guitar, wow!

This review was recently published on the Dutch prog website Background Magazine, in a slightly different version.

 Don't Panic by IZZ album cover Studio Album, 2019
3.91 | 241 ratings

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Don't Panic
Izz Symphonic Prog

Review by TCat
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

5 stars "Izz" is a symphonic prog band from New York founded in 1996 by Tom and John Galgano (yes they are brothers). Over the years, they have received a lot of positive response from critics and fans alike. Since 1999, they have released 9 full length studio albums and a live album. Their 9th studio album is called "Don't Panic" and was released in May of 2019. The line-up hasn't changed much over the years as both Tom (keyboards, vocals, production and mixing) and John (bass, guitars, ukulele, keyboards and vocals) still remain as do Paul Bremner on guitars; Brian Coralian on acoustic and e-drums and Greg DiMiceli on drums and percussion. There are also two other vocalists that joined the band later; Anmarie Byrnes and Laura Meade. "Don't Panic" has 5 tracks and has a total run time of 44 minutes.

The album starts with the title track "Don't Panic". After some effects, wordless vocals start along with a definite progressive flair. The music is definitely leaning towards the symphonic sound with a mix of male and female vocals, sounding almost like "Pure Reason Revolution" at their best, but with a more defined sound with a slight jazz edge. The individual instruments are all well mixed so that you can hear everything going on, and the melodies are definitely interesting and catchy with some short attention grabbing riffs. This track is a standard length of just over four minutes, but it does well to establish the bands sound to the listener.

After this, we go right to an epic 18 minute track entitled "42". (Now it is starting to become clear where their inspiration for this album lies especially if you are a Douglas Adams fan). There is a nice build up to a guitar and bass heavy track supported by choral effects on the synth. This has a definite likeness to "Starcastle" and "Yes" with the instrumental beginning, with its cheery keyboards and tricky bass lines, also in the guitar passages and it's symphonic sound and the slight jazz leanings. I'm really liking this sound. Just before 4 minutes, things slow down to a moderate rhythm for a little while, then intensity builds in the synth and bass patterns, then the harmonized female vocals come in followed later by male vocals. The vocal melodies are definitely not the standard verse and chorus pattern, it is non-repetitive, but it is still melodic. After 7 minutes, a guitar-led passage is followed by a synth melody which is developed to that symphonic style. Complex instrumental changes continue with two acoustic guitars playing countermelodies before returning to the original progressive theme and then another guitar solo built on top of that with the nice heavy bass line playing along supported by synths. Vocals are brought back in after 10 minutes. Again, melodies change as needed by the lyrics and male and female vocals are used interchangeably making this music very dynamic and interesting. After 15 minutes, we get a cheery organ solo that later adds a guitar playing along with the same melody and later builds off if it. This is an 18 minute track that just speeds right by because it is so good!

After this comes a short track called "Six String Theory". This is a nice acoustic solo that is a nice peaceful break. This is followed by the instrumental "Moment of Inertia" which has a 9 minute run time. This continues in a softer style with a rhapsodic piano intro which is later joined by the guitar which doubles the melody. Atmospheric synths build tension and a sudden outburst from the drums bring in a heavy guitar riff. A second guitar then improvises over this with a rousing solo. Tempos shift and melodies and riffs replace each other as the lead guitar keeps things together while the support create interesting progressive shifts. The complexity and heaviness of this track is sort of unexpected, but definitely welcome. At 5 minutes, this stops and you hear laughter in the background. A slower rhythm takes over making for a steadier pattern as the synths and keys take the center stage for some more excellent music. Awesome! In this track, all semblance to the previously mentioned bands is gone and traded for a darker and heavier sound, but still quite amazing. Again, this is over too soon as those 9 minutes speed by.

The last track also nears the 10 minute mark. This one is called "Age of Stars" and it starts off with a softer feel, but a heavy bass. Vocals start off quickly and sound a bit menacing at first, but the vibes brighten things up along with the higher vocals when they come in. Soon, things pick up with more progressiveness and counter harmonies in the vocals. Meters and melodies change as it continues and the vocals keep going with short instrumental flourishes between the lyrical lines. After the vocals stop, there are some nice instrumental solos shared by both electric and acoustic guitars and synths. There is another big shift in melody and tone as the vocal melodies become a bit more complex with each vocalist singing different lines and then a sudden synth solo comes in. Vocals come back in and work towards a finale that brings the entire album together.

This album is quite impressive, and since I can speak first hand that it is an excellent entry point for those wanting to explore this music, since it is the first album I have heard from them. I know I will be looking into more of their albums if they are as great as this is. The music is top-notch progressive music with non-standard patterns, changing meters and melodies, and complex themes. The vocal harmonies are excellent and spot on. Even when there are no harmonies, the singers are strong enough to carry the lyrics forward. Unlike similar bands like those I mentioned earlier, the vocalists are much stronger which works even more to this band's advantage. This album is excellent and is definitely the best symphonic prog album released this year. Definitely recommended to symphonic prog and to all prog lovers.

Thanks to ProgLucky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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