Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Cyril - Paralyzed CD (album) cover

PARALYZED

Cyril

Crossover Prog


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Bookmark and Share
Windhawk
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars German band CYRIL was formed in 2010 by former members of melodic rock band Gabria, who at that point desired to explore a style of music a bit more sophisticated than the one they had taken on in their former band. They released their debut album "Gone Through Years" in 2013. "Paralyzed" was released in the late spring of 2016, and is their follow-up production. Just like their initial CD, it was issued by the German label Progressive Promotion Records.

Those fond of sophisticated yet accessible and most of all melodic progressive rock should take note of this band and this album. While perhaps not as challenging fare as any of the classic progressive rock bands, this contemporary take on the more accessible side of the genre is well worth a listen, and perhaps especially by those who have a tendency to enjoy progressive rock of the kind that might also interest a more mainstream oriented audience.

Report this review (#1581341)
Posted Tuesday, June 21, 2016 | Review Permalink
3 stars On Paralyzed, Cyril continue with the melodic rock-hard rock mixture of their first album Gone Through Years. Retains the occasional use of woodwinds and mandolin that were hallmarks of its sound on the first album. Songs are maybe on the whole a tad softer, and also more expansive, but close enough. Another vocalist was added, so, two main voices now. This is catchy stuff, and not straightforward, too, although I feel that the more extended pieces get repetitive. The most extended piece, the 18-minute Secret Place is apparently a first part of a longer epic. And that's good, since on itself it doesn't stand - just a succession of different moods (and lifted from the likes of Yes and Pink Floyd) not really tied together.
Report this review (#1609441)
Posted Saturday, September 10, 2016 | Review Permalink
kev rowland
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Reviewer
4 stars German band Cyril came into existence in 2010 when former members of melodic rock band Gabria decided to move their music in a different direction. Keyboard and sax player Marek Arnold (Toxic Smile, Seven Steps To The Green Door, Flaming Row etc.) and I have been in contacted quite a bit recently, and he kindly sent me everything he has been involved with, which means that I am now catching up their last album, 2016's 'Paralyzed'. I reviewed their 2013 debut 'Gone Through The Years' when it was released, but hadn't got to this one as it had been released while I was on an enforced break from reviewing while I was putting together a book of all my reviews from 1991-2006, but I did really enjoy that one, so was looking forward to this.

I wasn't disappointed, as yet again it reminds me very much of Nineties-style Jadis, although it is also quite different, but there is something in the melodic and laid-back approach that really works here. The vocals are spot on from Larry Br'del (Toxic Smile) and Manuel Schmid, guitarist Ralf Dietsch has a wonderfully delicate touch not too dissimilar to Andrew Latimer or Gary Chandler, Clemens Litschko is an unsung here at the back with powerful drumming indeed, while Denis Strassburg hangs it all together on bass. But what makes the real difference here is the work of Marek, who not only uses a multitude of keyboard sounds and piano, but is also provides woodwind that allows the band to have that extra element, that extra touch of class.

As with the debut, this is a wonderful melodic progressive rock album that is immediate on first hearing, yet also rewards those prepared to put in the time and listen to it carefully and repeatedly. Great stuff.

Report this review (#1909497)
Posted Tuesday, March 27, 2018 | Review Permalink

CYRIL Paralyzed ratings only


chronological order | showing rating only

Post a review of CYRIL Paralyzed


You must be a forum member to post a review, please register here if you are not.

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.