http://www.beyondearcandy.com
Suspyre are a band hailing from New Jersey, the same home state of the mighty
Symphony X, and the musical influences show in a real good way. Suspyre is a
progressive metal band, mixing in strong power metal elements, epic
orchestration, and twin guitars with a neo-classical style. For those
fortunate to attend this year’s ProgPower USA VI, the festival sampler CD had
an included Suspyre song ’The City Under Sands’, from their forthcoming first
full album ‘The Silvery Image’. Having seen the band once live last year, I
was impressed with both the progression of the band sound and their new lead
singer, Clay Barton, on this single. Gregg Rossetti (guitarist, composer,
saxophonist, tenor viola da gamba, Chapman Stick, etc.) contacted me after the
ProgPower festival requesting airplay on BeyondEarCandy radio for their new
album. I was looking forward to seeing if the whole album lived-up to the
promise of the ’The City Under Sands’ song.
“The Silvery Image” CD starts off with ’Sospirare’, a very nicely done 48
second majestic orchestration piece with classical choir vocals, similar to a
prelude from perhaps the band Epica. Then the guitar riff kicks off the second
song ’Father of Hate’. The musicianship is noticeably very high right away;
the sound is prog/power metal all the way with double bass drums, lead guitar
solos, twin guitar harmonies, and the epic presence of orchestration elements.
Track 3 ’Distant Skies’ starts off with featured keyboards, played by Rich
Skibinsky (guitarist, keyboards, orchestration, etc.). The vocals are
impressive, and the lyrics that include dragons feel right at home with this
style of music. Track 4, ’Waterburns’, the orchestration element is again very
strong with a grandiose entrance piece that rolls into guitar, and the drums
handled nicely by Sam Paulicelli. Then, midway through the 7+ minute song it
moves into a strong progressive style, and there are some voiceovers and
keyboards layered in. Track 5 is another 7+ minute song, ’Breath of Gloria’,
which is clearly the ballad, as it starts off with piano and then saxophone no
less! Vocals are added, and then Kirk Schwenkler (Bass, Flute) comes in with
the flute! Later still, a nice guest female vocal ( Danielle Kaplowe) is
added, before the song finishes with its epic ending of choruses. This song is
followed with a quicker tempo song ’The Last of the Survivors’, to get things
picked up a bit before being mid-way though the CD and we hear the drama of the
1:19 orchestration piece, ’Ascension’. Following this is a track ’Apex’ which
mixes nicely in with orchestration, then guitar and drums lead us into the very
progressive metal elements. It’s a minute and a half, when the vocals start for
the first time, some good time changes, then a surprise…we got growl vocals!
All sung over a prog/fusion sound, like something from the progressive band,
Pain of Salvation. Another surprise on the following track ’Serpent I Am’, is
the use of some synthesized effects added to the music and vocals at times;
these in with the heavy elements of the guitar and some more growl vocals! The
10th song is the one from the Prog/Power festival sampler ’The City Under
Sands’, and sounds like a cross between Angra and Symphony X, with Clay’s voice
showing at times its Russell Allen style…not a surprise it was selected for the
Prog/Power festival CD. The next track ’I See’ is in the same up-tempo as its
predecessor and a good way to leave the listener before closing of the album
with the final orchestration piece ’Seguira’. It’s a minute long and the album
has epically come to its end.
It’s unbelievable this is Suspyre’s first true full album, and that they
haven’t been signed by a label yet is clearly a temporary situation. This is
extremely high caliber progressive metal with epic orchestration and great
power metal elements. Not only is this the surprise album of 2005, it is
clearly one of the year’s absolute best prog/power albums!! I highly recommend
you select one of their songs from our radio request play list at
BeyondEarCandy.com and listen for yourself. Then immediately click to buy it
and enjoy the whole CD experience, with well written lyrics to read, gorgeous
booklet art from Mattias Noren, and magnificent metal music!
Rating 5 out of 5
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http://www.aordreamzones.com/
The autumn of 2005 marks the release of this New Jersey band's first
full-length album, “The Silvery Image”. The recording process started in
December 2004 and ended in July 2005. The band is very excited about making
their debut into the progressive rock/metal scene with this album, which they
believe is a strong collection of diverse musical compositions. Suspyre's music
has a wide range of influences and members with distinct personalities that
make up the band's sound and they all have a common interest in metal, while
jazz and classical are also at the top of their lists.
No doubt that this is one of the better progressive and neo-classical metal
albums by a debutant band like Suspyre. It could have been their third album.
The album is that strong. “The Silvery Image” has got a little of this and that
and not much is left out on their debut. They've come up with some very strong
progressive elements combined with a very interesting epic attitude without
overdoing the sound into a big mess or so. No! Everything is on its right place
and they really used their brains while they were writing these songs. I love
that they haven't gone too far with the neo-classical ingredients. It's all
just on the limit and that makes this so damn different and clever. They've
created a style of their own and that's tuff these days. All prog-lovers going
to go crazy about this stuff. The labels will have a battle after hearing this.
I can't wait to follow Suspyre on their musical journey. Next album will be
very close to dangerous. All to all a very complete album for metal maniacs, in
all directions and different tastes. www.suspyre.com.
80/100
Johnny Forslund
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Nightmare Records
A FANTASTIC NEW INDEPENT RELEASE, that is every bit as good as any in it's
genre this year! Suspyre - is an amazing blending of speedy orchestral, epic
Prog-power metal with excellent performances is all that is important with a
release like this, Great vocals, extreamly tight dual guitar attack and
musicianship, Epic production, and intriging artwork. GET IT HERE NOW!
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http://www.strutter.8m.com/
Here we have a sensational new band out of New Jersey playing superb high class
European/Brazilian Melodic Neo-Classical Progressive/Power Metal in the style
of ANGRA, SYMPHONY X, BALANCE OF POWER, VANDENPLAS… Out of nowhere their CD
landed on my desk and I must say that it sounds very impressive. This is one of
those must-have CDs if you’re a fan of the genre, because everything sounds
(instrumental, songs, vocals, etc) and looks perfect with this SUSPYRE release.
12 songs are included and just like the recent STRIDE release, this album is
one of the absolute top US releases in the Progressive/Power Metal genre you
instantly fall in love with if you’re a fan of mentioned bands. Songs like
“Father of hate”, “Waterburns”, “Last of the survivors” (SUPERB!!!) and “The
city under sands” (BLIND GUARDIAN meets RHAPSODY) are very sensational
Neo-Classical Prog/Power Metal songs that contain everything you need to hear
in this subgenre. Also the AOR ballad “The breath of Gloria” is worth
mentioning, a truly beautiful song with very strong emotional lead vocals of
singer Clay Barton. Better check out this band asap at: http://www.suspyre.com
and e-mail them at: gregg@suspyre.com
(Points: 8.8 out of 10)
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This one really clicked on the second listen. Suspyre is a new progressive power metal band from New Jersey. I have to admit I had no expectations that this would be much of anything. I was really shocked - the production is first rate (no idea where it was recorded but they did a good job). Musically speaking The Silvery Image emphasizes larger than life symphonic arrangements that remind me of Rhapsody but with a neoclassical infusion of Symphony X. The occassional burst of speed evokes Angra. There are really nice touches through out the disc - flute and choir. There are some great unison lines between the two guitarists. Vocals from Clay Barton are rock solid in the Russell Allen direction without sounding like a clone. I think you will be in for a real surprise here - highly recommended.
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Are these guys really from New Jersey?!
That was the first thing that popped into my mind when listening to SUSPYRE’s debut album, “The Silvery Image.” This album seemed to slip under our radars when choosing our best albums for 2005. I’m certain this CD would have been on my list. Not only does SUSPYRE offer a fantastic array of progressive metal, I’d say that SYMPHONY X now has a run for their money.
I’m not only impressed by Clay Barton’s vocals, but by the rest of the band as well. Gregg Rossetti and Rich Skibinsky worked the MIDI aspects of the album quite well and their instrumental skills are exceptional – and yes, a saxophone is always welcome on a metal album!
The first track of “The Silvery Image” starts off with a short but sweet orchestral arrangement reminiscent of something you would hear from a RHAPSODY intro. The second track quickly starts off with “Father of Hate,” one of the several highlights of this album. Fast, melodic guitar riffs and steady, pulsing drum work rip through this song. Next on the list comes “Distant Skies” which seems like a great intro for one of their shows and I’m sure will be one of their classics.
I can’t really pick a favorite off this album, but “Last of the Survivors” has both an addictive melody and chorus. “The City Under Sands” is truly an epic song. Let me just say again, Clay Barton and the rest of this band have fantastic abilities and it truly shows throughout “The Silvery Image.”
“The Silvery Image” is highly recommended to fans of SYMPHONY X and those who are new to the neo-classical style of metal. SUSPYRE – Rock On!
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I truly believe that we are living in the Golden Years of the metal era. Not only we get excellent albums from confirmed bands, but also the amount of new bands (and the quality of music they present us) never ceases to amaze me. One of the strongest bands to debut in the arena in 2005 is the New Jersey based Suspyre. Coming out of nowhere, this young band managed to release an independent album that would shame a lot of the highly anticipated releases of 2005.
I have reviewed a lot of goth or power metal bands lately and I really have been missing listening/reviewing a good progressive metal album. Fortunately a few weeks ago this excellent under-the-radar piece of classic progressive metal found its way to my player and hooked me for a long period of time. That was exactly what I needed, new blood for the prog metal scene, a new kick-ass band, young and energetic, full of talent and ambition. So, on to the review.
After the symphonic intro (Sospirare) with its good choirs, we jump into the opener Father Of Hate with its excellent dual guitar riffs, complex and adventurous. A power tune (symphonic and majestic in places), with good arrangements, solid and complex drumming and background wall of keys. Clay Barton is right in the middle of it, allowing the vocal lines to flow smoothly with the main rhythm of the song. Distant Skies has a certain Italian flavor to it, with good guitar supported rhythm and a catchy keyboard line, present throughout the entire song. A typical progressive tune, with excellent solo swaps between the guitars and the keyboards. Waterburns shows the excellent musicianship of the band members, a complex tune, with orchestration elements twin guitar and keys harmonies and inspired vocal performance, especially in the deeply progressive mid-part of the song. Slow emotional rhythm with terrific support from the stellar keyboard, switching into a frenzy of dual guitar solos, with Rich Sibinsky and Greg Rossetti playing neverending inspirational solos. The longest song of the album The Breath Of Gloria (plus 7 minutes) is also the song that I like least, not because it’s the required ballad of the album, but because despite its additional ‘enhancing’ elements – saxophone, flute or the guest vocals of Danielle Kaplowe, the song fails to deliver a gripping hook or an addictive atmosphere. Back in progressive mode with Last Of The Survivors with epic elements thrown in for a perfect balance between the rolling rhythm and the melodic keyboard leads. Good backing vocals supporting the high range powerful delivery of Clay Barton with some of the most inspired guitar playing is deployed in this catchy song. The multi faceted Apex with its 2-minute instrumental intro treats us with some excellent rhythm changes and some harsh vocals while Serpent I Am is more of a synthesized version of a power progressive metal sound, with power double bass drumming and good supporting keys for extensive guitar phrases and gifted solos. The City Under Sands brings us back on common ground with some neo classical elements and an up-tempo beat that rises the song to a guitar led climax. I See, last track of the album delivers again a great vocal performance, supported by complex rhythms and strong melodic keyboard lines.
This album is one of the best debut albums that I have the chance to listen to in the past year. Despite being an independent release, the sound and the almost flawless production make this one of the most interesting products of the progressive year 2005. Unfortunately I discovered this band only after I had my pick for the 2005 debut album; otherwise they would have been for sure No.1 in my book. This is a band with a great future; I can’t wait to see what they have to offer in the years to come. Highly recommended!
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http://www.angelfire.com/nj3/ufwz/
Track One: Sospirare
Huge, bombastic orchestration complimented with female angelic voices and male
soprano backing vocals are the ingredients to the opening track of Suspyre’s
debut album, “The Silvery Image”. Recollections of Blind Guardian, Helloween,
and Symphony X immediately reveal themselves. Indeed, this is a very impressive
opening arrangement for this New Jersey based band (and a great first impression
in just under one-minute!).
Track Two: Father of Hate
“Sospirare” leads right into this song, which unleashes the inevitable talent
this band has. Guitar melodies a-la Helloween and Blind Guardian shine through;
plenty of palm-muting and chugging with added licks and solos kick off a very
European Power Metal feel to this song. Vocalist Clay Barton sounds like a cross
between Tobias of Edguy and Timo from Stratovarius. The song arrangements flow
smoothly and gracefully. Clearly, this is a band compromised of talented and/or
seasoned musicians. Guitarists Gregg Rossetti and Rich Skibinsky compliment each
other well, as heard in their duel leads and harmonies. Drummer Sam Paulicelli
uses a lot of double bass drum, and keeps the pace fast as well. Kirk
Schwenkler’s bass is played tightly with the drumming. Added keyboards in just
the right spots add a nice prog element, compliments of Rich. What a musical
kick in the ass!!!!!
Track Three: Distant Skies
Some synth and keyboard opens “Distant Skies”, which paints me a picture right
out of the imagery seen in “The Neverending Story”. Clay’s vocals come off
powerful and melodic; clearly he has an impressive range. The lyrics can be both
dark and beautyful, which compliments this music very well.
These are tremors of a dark revenge
The illusions of my madness eased the pain
Tonight the chorals rest upon my feet
And their melodies are running through my veins
Sam keeps pounding away at the drums, and Gregg & Rich maintain similar speed through their guitar playing. I wasn’t too happy with some of the added keyboards during the guitar solos, but Prog-Metal fans will eat this alive!! The same synth and keyboard melodies heard in the beginning of the song close out this masterpiece. The ass kicking has continued……..
Track Four: Water Burns
Some Stratovarius influence with some added drama opens “Water Burns”. The way
the rest of the instruments chime in is both smooth and brilliant. This song is
both powerful and emotional. The guitar licks and drums compliment the vocals
nicely; if you’re not at least tapping your foot to the beat, then you’re deaf.
The time change near the three-minute mark grasps your soul with emotion and
mystique. I can picture a live version of this song, complete with a light show.
The keyboard work is beautiful and fits perfectly with the song’s theme. The
guitar solos fucking rule, complimented with some very fast rhythm guitar
chugging and fast bass/drum. This song destroys!!!!!
Track Five: The Breath of Gloria
Emotional and haunting piano opens “The Breath of Gloria”. Some orchestration
and saxophone chime in nicely. Showing their softer side, Suspyre nails this
ballad with both emotion and skill. At first, I was weary that this song would
be boring, but it simply built up a very heart-felt climax. The added female
vocals give the song added dimension, while each musician keeps their playing
set to the mood of the song.
Track Six: Last of the Survivors
More Power Metal chugging with keyboard is heard on the first notes of “Last of
the Survivors”. Complete with a big sing-along chorus, soaring vocals, and lots
of backing vocals, this song raises the bar on vocal technique. The drums
continue their double bass/turbo fast assault, the guitars are very melodic, and
everything about this song screams “Tight Musicianship!!”. This one’s destined
to become a Power/Prog Metal anthem.
Track Seven: Ascension
Serving as an introduction to the next song, “Ascension” has the same bombastic
and dramatic feel as “Sospirare” does. This is cool stuff!
Track Eight: Apex
This song’s beginning was a continuous flow from it’s introduction, “Ascension”.
The same mood is maintained, complete with some drum. Some guitar melodies add
to the atmosphere of this song, which sound a bit on the Dream Theater side.
Complete with heavy & fast guitar, feast drums, and both soaring and aggressive
vocals, “Apex” is a metal monster!!! I also loved Clay’s scream right before the
time change at the four-minute mark. Upbeat, fast, and awesome can describe this
song in a nutshell.
Track Nine: Serpent I Am
This song picks up right where “Apex” left off. It flows smoothly and
majestically. Some guitar “screams” a-la Angel Dust are executed during this
song’s atmospheric introduction. The guitar work is extremely melodic and simply
kicks ass. More complimenting aggressive vocals are thrown in with the already
melodic, soaring vocals. This adds a great element to this song’s dark subject
matter. The keyboard work is fast and fits perfectly with this songs changing
moods (slow, fast, emotional, and furious). Once more, a great scream is
executed at the end of this song.
Track Ten: The City Under Sands
Wasting NO time, this song opens with a fast, metal assault. Killer drum and
guitar work compliment each other, played both fast and melodic respectively.
This is a high-energy song, as the vocals chime in after this great opening,
continuing the ferocious metal onslaught with aggression and power. A true
head-banging, fist pumping scorcher.
Track Eleven: I See
Once again, this song picks up right where it’s predecessor left off. The same
musicianship shines through; nothing can be said which hasn’t already been said.
The chorus is another big sing-along winner, complete with killer melodic guitar
work. It seems that this album jut keeps getting better and better!!!
Track Twelve: Seguirai
The final track, “Seguirai” is an interesting closer. In the same way “Sospiare”
enticed and enthralled, “Seguirai” continues in the same manner. The quick
dramatic and bombastic orchestration brings this album full circle. The musical
journey is over…..too bad!!!!
I cannot BELIEVE that Suspyre have not been picked up by a label yet. This just further proves to me how much all the big labels out there are blind and deaf. Suspyre kicked my ass, and they’ll kick yours too. Pick this gem up, or regret it!!!
RATING: 9 of 10