MODERN ALCHEMY

Elysium Theory were formed in 2006 by guitarist Tim Reid, keyboardist Benny Reyes, bassist Jeff Fister and drummer Ted Feeney and hail from Woodstock, New York.And based in such a historic location could only lead them to the rockier forms of music.It took the quartet about three years before finding the appropriate singer and this man would eventually be Dan Peterson.With this line-up the group recorded its debut ''Modern Alchemy'', released privately in 2010.

Elysium Theory cite DREAM THEATER, PORCUPINE TREE and PINK FLOYD as the main influences, quite succesfully to my ears.They combine the complex and virtuosic moments of DT, the powerful Heavy Prog grooves of PT and the more dreamy breaks of PF to come up with a sound which is actually completely unoriginal but filled with good ideas and tight compositions.''Modern Alchemy'' consists basically of mid-length pieces, nicely measured between atmospheric vocal parts and demanding textures, featuring plenty of instrumental masturbation and strong rhythmic passages.The guitars are quite crunchy with an evident metallic edge, the singer also has an expressive and a bit of high-pitched voice, while the powerful moments also recall to the Prog Metal territory.But the album is characterized also by smoother interruptions with atmospheric synths, series of melodic moments with a light Heavy/Neo Prog mood and a couple of calmer songs with a ballad atmosphere.

All in all this is an interesting debut by Elysium Theory.The group needs desperately some short of refreshment towards its own identity, but this work will certainly make happy the mass of fans fond of the heavier side of Prog music.Recommended.