RING OF MYTH

In 2005, Ring of Myth released Weeds to much critical acclaim in the prog rock community. Fast-forward six years and the band have now released a self-titled effort with a somewhat different approach. While Weeds was dominated by progressive rock epics, Ring of Myth shows the band honing in on shorter pop-prog songs while still maintaining the level of instrumental prowess and memorability that made them known. This isn't the most original or memorable prog album you'll hear in 2011, but it certainly possesses enough accolades to make it worth a listen for many symphonic prog fans.

Ring of Myth plays a style of symphonic progressive rock with nods in the direction of Yes, Starcastle, and Spock's Beard. I also hear a bit of an influence from the Swedish prog rock scene, particularly from acts like Agents of Mercy and Kaipa. Calling Ring of Myth a terribly unique band would be misleading, but they deliver their style in a professional and confident manner. The guitar playing is usually the highlight - songs like "Far Away" feature some truly excellent acoustic guitar work! Vocal harmonies are also an integral part of Ring of Myth's music, and the vocal department as a whole is impressive. This is a professional and talented act, and I have a great respect for them as musicians. One thing that may come as a bit of a surprise to some are the length of the songs on Ring of Myth - only one track ("Return") reaches over the 6 minute mark. My only significant gripe about this entire release is that it isn't quite original or spectacular enough to really stand out in the modern prog rock world. It's not a bad album at all (it's quite good, actually), but there are undoubtedly other progressive rock albums to seek out in 2011 before this one.

As you've probably noticed, I think Ring of Myth is a good, but not outstanding, prog rock album. There's better out there (just check out Magic Pie's 2011 offering!), but you could certainly do worse as well. I'll give Ring of Myth's third album a solid 3 stars and a warm recommendation. People who've enjoyed Ring of Myth's previous albums will want to check this out, as well as fans of symphonic prog that isn't too demanding. Assuming that we won't have to wait six years before their next album, I have high hopes for what this band has next up their sleeve.

I was not really impressed with their debut album (to say the least). I rated it with two stars (it was one of my first review on this site, almost three years ago).

This album doesn't start too bad, with a fully "Yes" oriented "Offering". Quite decent actually, with an excellent bass play from Flores. It doesn't sound original, but it is nicely performed and the instrumental parts are crafted. Vocals are just average in their style.

"Into Phase" is more on the "Genesis" side. Creativity is of course not the characteristic from "Ring Of Myth". Again this song features lots of elements that would make turn more than one purists in their graves. But the mix of influences (you can add again "Yes" and even some Crimson here to the afore mentioned one) is not too bad. Vocals though are weak.

The very short "Plight" is one of the most complex item from this offering. Jazzy, eclectic and wild: the influence again is instantly recognizable (KC). The complex drumming and great bass play are just superb. A (short) highlight.

It's a pity that the album is so long (almost sixty-five minutes), they could have make it shorter and cut "Drone" from this. At this time, it doesn't sound funny anymore?

For a change, we'll get some Gabriel-esque type of vocals during the longest track from "Weeds". The loop has been looped, I guess. Only vocals à la Greg Lake are missing?Anyway, "Blue Stern" is not a bad song per se, but the emulation for this band to evoke giants is quite reductive. But there is probably an audience for this?

This is a long exercise to review this lengthy album; and it is not often enjoyable ("Soft Disguise"). There are still some interesting tracks though: like the eclectic "Drowning In Fire". The fact that this song is fully instrumental plays indeed in its favour. Fully Crimsonesque, even if some nervous violin play make their appearance during the closing section.

Same comments apply to "Half Wing": complex, scary, heavy, and instrumental for most of it (some forty seconds of sung part only, thank god!. The band at his best. Close to jazz- fusion even.

I will be generous and rate this album with three stars.

Although at a first listen, some parts do sound like Yes, they do not of course have the caliber of the masters. Nice vocal harmonies, average musicianship are not enough to make this album a memorable one.

It is not easy to listen the whole of it in a row (not enough good moments that would push you to do so). It also sounds too much the same. "Liquid Dream Cascade" has a "spacey" mood (à la Land's End). "Only a Dream" is probaly the worst track of this work : starts with mellow vocals and ends up into an incredible guitar cacophony.

Intro for "Messenger" is stolen to "Heart of theSunrise" but it is still the best track here.

Not really an essential album as you may understand. Just a curiosity. Two stars.

A friend recommended that album. He says "Looks like Yes in some songs"... Well, I got it in my hands and Ring of Myth sounds like a surrealistic Yes after several pounds of beer: repetive melodies, simple harmonies, naif lyrics... a lot of common places with some attempts to make interesting instrumnetal parts with guitar and keyboard solos. After a few minutes you really want to turn off the CD player... An album only for hard- prog collectors...