Sylvan - "Encounters" Review

Artist/ Band: Sylvan
Title: Encounters
Label: Angular Records
Year of Release: 2000
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

Sylvan's Encounters is neo-prog metal from Germany with a vocalist more influenced by Metallica or Pearl Jam than Dream Theater or Queensryche. Essentially there are only three songs on the CD including "No Way Out," "Essence of Life" and the 40-minute multi-part "Encounters." I like the memorable melodies and rich vocals throughout the album. "No Way Out" starts with powerful guitars by Kay Sohl, letting you know what's in store for the remainder of the album. This band will rock you!! Not to say that there isn't excellent keyboard work in this wonderful work. Volker Sohl (brother?) plays with confidence, crafting symphonic flourishes and classically oriented keyboard wizardry. A case in point is the next song. The over eight minute "Essence of Life" is a tour de force for Volker. But the band does not consist of just soloists, rather many musicians playing together tightly as a band. This is as it should be in my opinion.

Sylvan's music reminds me of bands like Marillion, IQ, King Crimson, Enchant and Pink Floyd. These are all favorites of mine and speaking of favorites, the true gem on this disc is the epic "Encounters." The many song concept piece seems to be about relationships and loss of companionship. The band plays compositions that are deep and melancholy but never depressing as their lyrical ideas may suggest. Uplifting melodies and bright production may seem in juxtaposition to themes of loss and betrayal, but it truly works. If I had any real complaint about this album, it's Marco Gluhmann's apparent lack of mastery over the English language. He often pronounces words incorrectly or places the emphasis on the wrong syllable. Actually not a complaint at all, it kind of interests me. I mean Dave Matthews and Rickie Lee Jones have practically built their whole careers learning how to pronounce words incorrectly! So if something like that bothers you, go in forewarned. The Sylvan CD Encounters is a strong album from a talented band with an even greater future.

Reviewed by Terry Jackson on April 30th, 2010

Tracks:

01. No Way Out (5.40)

02. Essence of Life (8.05)

03. Encounters:
I. Overture (3.27)
II. About To Leave (4.18)
III. Your Source (3.19)
IV. Tremendously Different (2.11)
V. Long Ago (2.16)
VI. All Of It (4.27)
VII. Presentiments (3.20)
VIII. Would You Feel Better (6.09)
IX. In Vain (7.49)
X. Encounters (2.50)

Reviewed Discography

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