REALM (STEVE VAIL)

Realm (Steve Vail) biography
REALM is a Kansas City progressive rock band with heavy emphasis on symphonic prog, sounding very much like early Yes. The lead vocals are as high and as similar as Anderson as one can get, and there are huge instrumental breaks dominated by keyboard wizardry. Steve VAIL is the visionary behind the band who produced a release called "Realm Time Tales" by System in 1981. This became the band REALM, with VAIL composing and writing all the tracks for "Time Tales" in 1983. The success of this project lead to the 1992 album "The Path" to mixed critical reactions. They are known as the Originator of Archaeology Prog Rock, with a lyrical content based on Zecharia Sitchin, ENKI, Eric Von Daniken, & Anunnaki.

Members of the band are vocalist/guitarist Darrell Studna , keyboardist Steve Vail and drummer Lake Furney, who replaced David Sears from the first album.

The music is full blown prog with time signatures, lengthy tracks, Palmer like drums, with Wakeman keyboards with a Moog bass sound, and Anderson like vocals. Influences are predominantly Yes, Wakeman, Genesis, and ELP. The band are attempting to preserve the type of prog 70s sound of "Tarkus" or "Tales of Topographic Oceans", the analog sound is achieved by use of a Kurzweil synthesizer and Moog bass. Studan and Vail extend a special thank you for help with the album to Rick Wakeman on the liner notes of "The Path". The majority of "The Path" pays tribute to God and nature. The band focus on distinct themes. They feature a protest song about Tiananmen Square with Little Bottle. Other themes that are focussed on include death and the afterlife.

REALM's albums are released on Syn-Phonic labels.