Syzygy (4) – Realms Of Eternity

Realms of Eternity was originally going to be a double-CD but was released as a no-filler 77-minute single CD. Syzygy expanded to a quartet with the promotion of bassist & backing vocalist Al Rolik to full-time status, and brought in veteran session singer Mark Boals as guest lead vocalist, as there is a greater emphasis on lyrics on this album. The vocals, so often the shortcoming of indie prog bands, are completely professional, and yet instrumental content still dominates. There are loads of leave-you-speechless instrumental fireworks, but also acoustic, pastoral ages worthy of Tull and Genesis. Syzygy sound more British than ever (and to be quite frank, none of the contemporaneous British bands appear capable of a work like this). With excellent production, this is not only Syzygy’s best and most ambitious album to date, it may be the prog album of 2009. Steve Hackett said: “It’s beautifully written and recorded and easily the best I’d ever been given to listen to... I usually hope for a masterpiece every time I play an unknown quantity (to me), but this is the the only time the dream has been fully delivered.”

Another in the annals of crossover symphonic prog and metal styles, or call that stoner prog if you like!