HAYDENSPARK

"An exciting, dynamic and varied Heavy Prog album, but pretty overlooked"

The interesting and acclaimed Finnish formation Overhead has released five studio-albums, I am only famliar with their second effort entitled Metaepitome, from 2005. That one succeeded to generate a lot of excitement, and I noticed that Overhead did their best to create an own progressive sound. After my first Haydenspark listening session I conclude that this new album sounds harder-edged, and the keyboards are more on the background. The atmosphere on the nine compositions is very dynamic and energetic, with strong, good English vocals and often heavy guitar work (Steve Vai and Joe Satriani come to my mind). Also interesting are the lyrics about our endangered society and earth, and the fascinating artwork. My musical highlights.

A heavy and bombastic climate (like early Black Sabbath), metallish guitars, synthesizer flights and a thunderous rhythm-section in Last Generation.

A biting wah wah electric guitar and finally flamenco guitar runs ("wow", I say as an aficionado) in Count Your Blessings.

A captivating contrast between the sound of the flute traverse and heavy guitar in the exciting titletrack.

From dreamy vocals and tender acoustic guitar to blistering electric guitar in the alternating Across The nation.

Between Black Sabbath and Metallica with a lot of tension between the mellow and heavy parts, from classical keyboard orchestrations and acoustic guitar to sparkling flute and biting wah wah guitar, how exciting and varied!

And the wonderful ballad The Fall, first with fragile acoustic guitar runs and warm vocals, then more lush and dynamic with beautiful vocals and soaring keyboards.

Although the level on the compositions is very good, my absolute highlight is the final track Gone Too Far. In my opinion this one epitomizes how varied, dynamic, adventurous and, last but not least, progressive Overhead sounds! First a catchy rhythm with a sparkling flute traverse work (close to Ian Anderson), electronic inspired keyboards and heavy guitar riffs. Then a mid-tempo featuring powerful vocals and dynamic drums, followed by fat synthesizer flights. Halfway the sound turns into more heavy, the interplay between the flute traverse and heavy guitar evokes huge tension, fuelled by a propulsive rhythm-section.

Progressive rock in the true meaning of the word is alive, just listen to the new CD of this awesome Finnish prog band. These musicians have succeeded to blend elements from classic hardrock with a variety of other styles, loaded with surprising and adventurous musical ideas. I am looking forward to watch this exciting Heavy Prog band on stage!

The first edition of this review was recently published on Dutch progrock website Background Magazine.

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