TURN OF THE TIDE

ARZ is a progressive rock band from Portland. They just came out with a new album called Turn of the Tide. I really like the entire album, and I think it's one of my favorite albums from 2011. The range of songs on the album is quite wide, from instrumental pieces such as ARZ Nova and Lost Lake, to some songs that are metal tinged, to symphonic prog. My favorite songs are Birth of a Hero, and To the Better Man. My son loves the syncopated introduction in To the Better Man, and he always dances to it, which is hilarious. And I enjoy Birth of a Hero because I like the guitar work in it, and I think it's Steve's strongest vocal performance on the album. ARZ Nova starts off the album, and is a brief instrumental song that makes a nice and easy introduction to the whole album. Birth of a Hero has a cool acoustic guitar intro, and is a kick ass song. I love the lyrics on it, this excerpt applies to my life: Welcome to the office world, filled with petty tyrants and rules Push a paper and a pen, to the big "man" we're just fools One day I saw his shadow loom, a towering nemesis I looked up at him, and he at me, I said "taste my fist"

What was I to do? What should I have said? I was taught to get along So I kicked his ass instead

I am back, I am just I am right, I am a hero I defend those who cannot fight back I am their hero

Shadow on the Wall is a very moving song. Hope and Glory is an epic story, with lots of very interesting varied parts in it. My Friend is a well crafted song with strong vocals and storyline. Twilight is also an excellent song, probably my third favorite. All in all, I think that this is an excellent album, very well produced, and with expressive musical performances.