Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Sylvan — Artificial Paradise
(Point Music 10206, 2002, CD)

by Roel Steverink, Published 2004-04-01

Artificial Paradise Cover art There's lot of music in the land between mainstream and neo-prog, and this is another one. They hail from Germany and this is their third effort. The music is thoroughly composed and produced, still it didn't move me a lot. Styles range from slow rock to symphonic metal. It's often even close to catchy mainstream pop, with crisp electronic drums comparable with a lot of top-of-the-pops bands, only the songs are longer mostly. The slow parts are heavily symphonic; wailing guitar upfront and a massive synthesized background. There's also a big emphasis on piano. One who seeks quick tempos seeks in vain. The musicians are all competent, but musically no one dares to take any risks. The singer is not bad and can reach quite a range of octaves. None of the nine tracks made me jump out of my chair, nothing fresh and gripping here. Even the 20-minute last track with real aggressive guitar can't save this mediocre album. Maybe neo-prog lovers should check it out.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 29, 2002 releases

Related artist(s): Sylvan

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.