SUSPYRE

My introduction to American band Suspyre was not entirely a positive experience. I unfortunately witnessed their debut European live appearance at last year's ProgPower festival in Holland where they were not only plagued by an abysmal sound, but also looked very subdued and awkward onstage. There transpired to be very good reasons behind this (see exclusive post-ProgPower interview with Suspyre elsewhere on this site), and I vowed to not write off the band based on one bad performance. When a promo copy of their latest album, 'When Time Fades...' arrived for review, I had an ideal opportunity to check out the New Jersey prog-metallers afresh. And I can happily say straight off that I am incredibly impressed by what is Syspyre's third album. I guess any band playing within said style with a high level of technical ability must tire of lazy journalists' comparisons to genre hegemonists Dream Theater, although opening track 'Possession/The Negative' , at least to my ears, has discernible similarities to the New York titans. However, fortunately, from second track 'Evolutions' and thereafter, the Dream Theater comparisons become almost entirely redundant as the album starts to twist and turn through a series of skilfully crafted compositions that present the listener with a plethora of stylistic fusions. Majestic orchestrations (while eschewing symphonic metal clichés); choirs; jazz tinged flourishes; all-out metal heaviness; retro prog-rock influences; and neo-classical guitar widdlings à la Yngwie Malmsteen (as with 'Lighted Endrhyme'). Some songs do occasionally wander off into "technical for technical's sake" territory such as sporadically during 'The Light of the Fire' although, generally, the virtuoso guitar technique of both Gregg Rossetti and Rich Skibinsky remains compositionally relevant for most of the album's playing time. In fact, Rossetti and Skiblinsky are also responsible for the album's incredible production - every instrument can be heard with clarity throughout in an overall resonant sounding mix. I also feel the need to mention Clay Barton, the only band member to impress me at ProgPower, and here, his recorded vocals are quite simply stunning - wide ranging but without ever utilising his voice beyond its limits (unlike a certain Mr LaBrie). In short, in an over-saturated genre where far too many bands settle for a safe "prog by numbers" approach, 'When Time Fades...' is a refreshing release through its diversity and the compositional risks it takes, although never sacrificing good, solid songwriting for technical ability (albeit virtuoso musicianship is rife throughout). I shall now look forward to giving the band a second chance in a live context should the opportunity arise.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Sensory Records

Album

WHEN TIME FADES...

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

75:33

RELEASE DATE:

10th Nov 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) Possession/The Negative
2) Evolutions
3) Lighted Endrhyme
4) Maniac Main Point Check
5) Siren
6) Reign
7) Fallen Stars
8) A World With No Measures
9) The Light of the Fire
10) Apparitions
11) Let Freedom Ring (The Heart Of It All)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

USA

"'...in an over-saturated genre where far too many bands settle for a safe "prog by numbers" approach, 'When Time Fades...' is a refreshing release through its diversity and the compositional risks it takes, although never sacrificing good, solid songwriting for technical ability..."