ARZ

With ''Serai'' out in August 2005 it wouldn't take too long for Steve Adams to launch the second Arz album.It was ''The magi'', released in December of the very same year.Unlike ''Serai'' this was a much more spiritual offering by the American multi-instrumentalist, dealing with mental issues and based on ancient and future sounds.

Stylistically the pair of opening pieces follow the vein of guitar-driven Instrumental Rock with emphasis both in technique and atmosphere, where sonic soundscapes meet with slow-paced melodies, psychedelic tunes and efficient soloing.Things start to get more personal and interesting with the 15-min. ''Ur'', refering to the Sumerian city in ancient Mesopotamia.Powerful guitar distortions and heavy rhythmic parts explode into psychedelic landscapes with atmospheric synths and sound effects.The music appears to be heavily influenced by RUSH, albeit often with a more metallic, angular edge on the electric leads.PINK FLOYD would be also a good reference point.As most of Arz'es cuts, this one offers dual guitar deliveries in a frequent ratio, mostly in an electroacoustic enviroment full of cinematic moods.The title-track is among the most ambitious pieces written by Adams.24 minutes of interesting, contemporary Heavy Rock, the title of which refers propably to the term used to mark the followers of Zoroastrianism.An intelligent blend of mascular rhythms and Eastern-influenced acoustic tunes, propelled also by a more pronounced use of orchestral keyboards.Maybe a bit too long as a whole, but most of it offers great lead guitars and solos, pounding drumming, archaic textures and, of course, some trully psychedelic moves.The closing ''Tea with me'' is another example of Adams' technical skills, featuring an even more flexible musicianship with fair doses of synths and piano in his familiar guitar dominance, which now flirts with Fusion due to a more jazzy style of playing and the smooth use of keys.

Solid second album by Arz.Electricified instrumental Prog Rock with a heavy sound and a nice injection of ethnic tunes.Recommended.

Arz begun in 2005 as the music vehicle of Portlan-based American guitarist Steve Adams.Adams was a dedicated fan of Rock music as a youngster, before his interests turned into Classical technique and Jazz, which he studied at the Lewis & Clark College.However as time went by he felt the need to get back to his early roots, now as an accomplished musician.Thus he formed Arz and recorded the debut ''Serai'', where he performs all instruments by himself.

The studies of Adams had made him a really diverse rock musician, as listened to ''Serai'', where he manages to blend the attacking and powerful riffs of his electric guitar with the virtuosic performance on his classical one, while the keyboard parts are rather discreet and secure.His music resembles to the albums of LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA, TIME TRAVELLER or even VISUAL CLIFF with evident hints coming from the music of RUSH and KING CRIMSON, if you also add a fair dose of AL DI MEOLA guitar workouts.Adams sets series of dynamic grooves and impressive solos among his ideas, which range from complex instrumental Guitar Rock to atmospheric Psych/Space Rock, especially when keyboards play a larger role.His interplays between electric and classical guitar textures are quite original and propably the main reason to get the album, which at moments shifts towards Heavy Prog fields.The drum programming has a questionable result, not lowering the quality of the album but lacking the strength of physical drums.

Impressive first album, considering this is a one man's effort.There is still some need for more natural instrumental sections or a bit more diverse compositions, but Adams' idea of blending the powerful side of Progressive Rock with the ethereal sound of a Classical guitar is welcome to say the least.Recommended.

ARZ is a duo from Portland, Oregon, comprising guitarist/singer Steve Adams and drummer Merrill Hale. Steve and Merrill cemented their relationship after meeting while they were members of a Yes tribute band called All Good People. ARZ was originally the name used by Steve as a one-man band where he recorded all instruments himself, and he then brought in Merrill to assist with the fourth album, 'Solomon's Key'. After that album he and Merrill decided that they wanted to record an album where the could perform it live, and they devised a way of doing this using MIDI and samples etc but after some feedback from fans they decide instead to record the best album that they could and not worry about the live part just yet. So back into the studio they went and created an album that can only be described as majestic.

Merrill is a great drummer who cites Barriemore Barlow and Danny Carey as his major influences, but given the way that he hits those skins and drives the music along it is fairly obvious that he has been listening to Portnoy a great deal and his touch also reminds one of Palmer. But he never overpowers Steve, but provides him with an incredible foundation that allows him to build and build with multi-layered riffs and keyboards or sometimes just simple chords and melodic vocals, whatever is right for the moment. This is modern progressive music that is immediate, structured and climactic. It has the complexity, yet somehow maintains a simplicity and naivety that draws the listener in every time. As I said before, this is majestic, in every way. www.unicornrecords.com

I quite stumbled across this album, and, with zero expectations, listened to it in a couple of sittings. Nothing particularily grabbed my attention. I rewaxened (my word, the art of relistening with the wax removed from your ears. Can be used with permission) a few days later and relalized this is a great piece of music. These two guys put together a full bands worth of sound. They also generate a delicate complexity that on the surface seems to be an ordinary piece of prog, but has distinct and thoughful progressions. I suspect this is why I initially let it pass over my ears and not through. Further, even though the music doesn't challenge your brain the way some progheads feel is required to be great prog, it does get your feet tapping and your emotions moving. Notable tunes are "Shadow On The Wall" and "Twighlight". Go get this disc, but make sure you rewaxen before listening.

4.2 stars

The battlecruiser Arz opens fire.

Not a Hollywood movie, but an US band who has released a handful albums without really causing any ripples in the pond. This is their newest one and the waves are now hitting the shores.

Arz has created a hybrid between English symph prog and US power metal on Turn of the Tide. But the music is also very much based in the 500 years old form of classical music called cantus firmus. Listen to the songs and it is evident that the music on Turn of the Tide is primary in the cantus firmus vein.

Both the vocals and the instruments are competently delivered. The vocals are a bit over the top aka power metal, but OK.

The music are great throughout. There is no really brilliant songs here. But the best music is when Arz goes 500 years back in time and base their melody lines on the cantus firmus tradition. Something I would encourage them to do more. Forget the sometimes melodic, commercial nonsense from the 1990s they too much relies on. Go back to your roots, Arz.

This is a great album which requires a lot of from the listener. But it is also a very rewarding experience.

4 stars

Well where do i begin.. 1st thing i am NOT a writer by any stretch of even my imagination. But i can tell you this much i know what my ears like. I 1st found ARZ while bouncing around on MySpace looking for new prog music to enjoy. And while at 1st listen i wasn't really sure what to make of this duo; i knew that i had to make contact with Steve Adams. Btw ARZ is Steve Adams and Merrill Hale from Portland Oregon. Steve is the guitar Player extraordinaire and "M" as i like to call him is a drummer of a unique skill set. There was just "something" about this sound. So it began, a semi stalking of Steve Adams sending emails back and forth making comments in regards to tracks posted on my space. As i listened more and more i enjoyed more and more. He had sent me a few cds to listen to. I was hooked.it was a full sounding prog band certainly to my ears which are not trained by anyone or anything other than an old pioneer receiver and PR of cerwin vegas that are probably older then my oldest daughter who s 27 yrs old. As time passed i made certain that i would try me hardest to establish constant contact with various websites and college radio stations to give this band some airplay. I really felt they deserved to be discovered. Time passes by and both members join up with Lisa Larue on a few of her terrific releases. I knew it wouldn't be long now before someone stood up and recognized this band. Turn Of The Tide is finally available. 9 tracks of versatile and unique playing that drive me crazy. At one point its symphonic prog and just when you think you have it narrowed down along comes something powerful and heavy like hope and glory. So much for symphonic prog. So it's now become progressive metal. This is the style and skill set of this duo. The 1st track Arz Nova is the perfect start for this cd, a bombastic little number that tells you to listen to the whole cd before placing judgment. Then comes birth of a hero which take you yet for another ride. A song that pretty much sends a message that "i have had enough". we al have our own ideas of what songs are about which may or may not be the same as what the lyricist has in mind when he writes them down on a diners placemat or at his desk. This is how i see Shadow On The Wall. it to me is about my own conscience, what i had in the past and what i have now and what i F'ed up in my life. This is one of my fav tracks on the cd. Hope and Glory comes next, an ambitious song to say the least with all kinds of twists and turns. With just about every type of prog element one can imagine. This is the "epic" track off the cd. A song about finding one's self thru ones own life within an ever changing world. A daunting task to say the least. i could go on and on with each track but won't bore you with my "findings" as we all have our own ideas and thoughts in regards to what a song means to each of us. I will go a bit further and say this band is heavily influenced by ELP and at some point you're just waiting for Greg Lake to start singing. It's not a replica of ELP mind you but the influence is obvious. The drumming is superb with thoughts of the "professor of the drum kit himself" (we rush fans know who this is) coming to mind. Steve is a very accomplished guitar player in his own right and stands among the best there is. As i had said form the start this is a band worth knowing NOW!! That being said go and buy TURN OF THE TIDE. Tell your friends tell all. ARZ IS A BAND THAT WILL BE ONE TO RECKON WITH!!!! After the self-released titles from either digital downloads or a freebie from the band the new release on the Unicorn Digital label will finally allow more to know ARZ. I am glad to be part of the ARZ "FAN CLUB" SO MUCH I HAD INKED MYSELF. This was done because I know once people hear the full sound of the 2 gents playing they will be around quite a long time. Maybe its time now to put "out to pasture my old Pioneer and Cerwin Vegas and get some Polk Audio Tsi200's and a new Pioneer. As far as my "star" ranking goes I cant with all honesty give this a "5". a "5" is for a masterpiece of prog in my opinion. and very few of those exist. But this is a very solid 4 and i again uege those who dont know ARZ to get to know the music by visiting their website, you tube and make the buy!. i have already started loking forward to a follow up cd and its just the beginning. Imagine if they would incorporate a full time keyboardist. This is just the start of the growth ARZ. Im sure the well runs deep folks!!!! ENJOY AND PROG ON!!!!

I am familiar with Steve Adams' and Merrill Hale's work. Both are very accomplished musicians in the Portland, Oregon Metro area. Turn of the Tide is an album that requires more than one listening. It is not your background housecleaning music. Overall it is a beautiful representation of the "rites of passage" one discovers and enters while on this road we call life. It captures the tenacity of honor, vision, conviction, purpose, and yearnings with a heavy dose of justice. The voicings of guitar, vocals, drums and textures invite me to peek into someone's "movie". It is there I am able to reflect on my own life and its archetypes all the while rendered masterfully. Open minded interaction is paramount or you will miss the nuances.

I hear the musical influences of: Yes (especially their earlier works), Alice Cooper (ballads and storytelling), Moody Blues (for their journeying), Queen (for their convictions and anthem)...add a little dash of World Music from India, Asia, Ireland and Persia while combining Jazz infused Classical and you can kind of feel those places. The experimental rock approach to these voicings definitely classifies ARZ entirely on its own. It is an Epic Experience only The ARZ Universe can produce.

The website gives you glimpses of Steve and Merrill's brilliance. The Artwork done by Merrill Hale is splendid. Their work is very visual, not only in the packaging, but the music as well. Each Rune takes you to a new place with a new feeling to be felt or discovered. It is obvious the labor intensive work makes this from an artist's sense, museum quality.

My favorite is Twilight, though I love Shadow on the Wall, My Friend, and Lost Lake. I love the conviction of Birth of a Hero and My Friend's lyrics. The entire album with it's gorgeous guitar work, keys, drums and textures brings the listener full circle. The Tide Has Turned is an adventure all on its own depicting the internal battles one goes through when going through a rite of passage. I get the authenticity of agony, sorrow, venegance, promises, oaths, honor and resolve.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves a story, who loves masterful musicians, loves experimental sounds and for the passionate. For a Progressive Rocker, this is a must have.

I have had the pleasure of seeing ARZ live 3 times. If you close your eyes and take in the awesome musical experience, you will be amazed that there are only two members of this band! They have so much depth to their talent and I truly love the music they produce.

I have to admit that I am a prog rock newbie, but ARZ has made me have a really great appreciation for this genre of music. "Turn of the Tide" is a very well put together album. I enjoyed the short intro because it gave me a taste of what was to come. There is a good balance between fast and slow songs and I enjoyed every single one of them. My faves are "Birth of a Hero" and "Lost Lake". I really look forward to their next album!!

"Turn of the Tide" is well-orchestrated music from this Portland Oregon band. It's hard to believe there are only 2 members in ARZ - they have a full, rich and upbeat sound.

The group fits well with the classic progressive rock bands of my youth like Moody Blues or Jethro Tull and the music is quite accessible. A 21 year old family member calls it "uplifting" and I can see this appealing to a wide audience.

I don't have a favorite cut yet - each time I think I've found one, the next one takes its place. The lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful and there are no "duds".

This album Turn of the Tide is wonderful, and I really enjoy listening to it. Plus the fact that my son and his friend is on it. I'm not biased! :) I've listened to it multiple times, and I hear something new every time I listen to it. I have 3 favorites: ARZ Nova. This is a good introduction to the album. Hope and Glory is wonderful, awesome. Turn of the Tide is really powerful. And Twilight is really great as well. But the whole album is wonderful. When you buy an album, there are some songs on it that are great, and others that are so so. But this whole album is wonderful, and there are no weak songs in it. I was riding my incumbent bike this morning and listening to ARZ, and I rode 6 miles without realizing it, and that was because I was really intently listening to the music. It's a very captivating album. I hope that other people will enjoy this album as much as I do. I think that Steve and Merrill are very talented young men.