DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

SYMPHONY X / Paradise Lost

Symphony X has somehow slipped under my radar all these years. Sure, I've heard of them in passing and have even caught the tail end of a song or two, but never really gave them the attention due. That is until the success of Paradise Lost. In fact, I couldn't ignore their presence any longer if I tried. I gave the album a full listen through and was immediately struck by their outstanding musicianship. The most immediate & obvious trait that catapults them a notch above other progressive metal bands are the superior vocals. That is not at all an attempt to minimize the bone-crunching guitars or polished mixes, but let's be honest... progressive bands typically suffer from sub-standard vocals generally due to a guitarist or keyboardist who “thinks” they can sing just as good as the next guy. Not to go off on a tangent here, but it's high time prog bands recognize the vocal layer on par with the other instruments that make up a composition – obviously Symphony X respects that.

As far as Paradise Lost goes, I've been forewarned by others that this is not their best release. So to be fair, and not to gauge my review on this one album alone, I DID go back to listen to The Odyssey & Twilight In Olympus, Divine Wings of Tragedy & V: the New Mythology Suite. With those four previous discs fresh in my memory, I took a dive right into Paradise head first and found myself tired from the swim and wishing to get out of the pool and dry off. What I mean by that is this: Symphony X, as the name implies, utilizes bombastic orchestration and interchangeably uses violas etc. Pumping each track full of striking obbligato type arrangements synonymous with Classical Music Greats, the band sets the stage for being the “classical meets metal band”... but they let the listener down on this album because the nature of Classical music lends itself to variety, decrescendos as well as accelerandos and the like. Unfortunately, as good as they are at what they do, they fail to offer the highs and lows that would keep my attention. I got the feeling I heard all they had to offer by the 6th track. This is not their normal repertoire. If you're going to release a disc nearly an hour in length, you should have the diverse material to warrant it.

I still give this album 4 stars because it's undeniably a great album. The musicians are unquestionably virtuosos and have spent years honing their craft. The arrangements are labored over and not recorded until perfect. The guitars are reminiscent of Malmsteen, vocals remind one of Rob Tagley of Warrior and the double bass drum assault will leave you bewildered. While maintaining their own identity, you cant help but recognize elements of Kansas. This is a must buy CD, but if you have to buy only one – choose The Divine Wings of Tragedy.

Dale Juday