AWAKEN THE MAN

Din Within is one of the most intresting young progressive bands from USA in last years. Formed by Mark Gollihur (vocals, bass) and Josh Sager (vocals, guitars) in 2004 they release so far a single album in 2007 named Awaken the man. While all the music is compose by the two, there are a bunch of helping hand musicins here who done good job overall. The album sounds fresh, with very nice and passages, symphonic prog as must sound this style. At first spin I though I'm listning to Spock's Beard, no doubt the main influence this band has, and here and there some The Flower KIngs aswell. Complicated arrangements, where the guitar and keyboards are omni present giving a really solid atmosphere. Also the druming parts are awesome, energic and well performed. Pieces like opening track Better Than Before, title track Awaken the man, are long complex symphonic prog with lot to offer, great use of keyboards and guitar and above all avery warm voice. Definetly a band to be check out if progressive rock is your main style of music, pleasent and solid album. Great cover art aswell. 4 stars easy, really great album all the way.

2007 produced many great progressive rock albums. The second Blackfield album, a new one from Porcupine Tree, yet another great one from Riverside, Symphony X, Redemption, Magic Pie, Gazpacho, The Flower Kings - you name it.

None of these even come close when compared to Din Within's debut album, Awaken The Man.

I first learned about the band in 2005, when I bought a cd called The Tsunami Projekt (TTP), which was a collaborative effort originating on the official Spock's Beard forum, set in motion to raise money for the victims of the horrific tsunami that hit Asia in 2004. Din Within contributed a track to this double-disc feature, and thus I was introduced to them.

So how is it, that some 2 years later, you hear the name of a band who you've only heard one song from before - and that they're going to release their debut album - and all of a sudden you revel in joy? For me, the answer would be that the one track I'd heard before, on the TTP cd, was so memorable that I couldn't wait to hear more from these guys - even if it took 2 years!

And believe me, it was worth the wait! Every once in a while, there's that one cd who just knocks you right on your ass because it's so great - and this is one of those. It's got everything - lyrical depth, the ability to make you happy on an otherwise crappy day just by listening, epic endings, vocal harmonies, and to quote the late Kevin Gilbert: "it's got more hooks than a tacklebox"!

Recommended for EVERYONE who loves prog a la Spock's Beard, Neal Morse, Kevin Gilbert, Kansas, Genesis - or in short: for everyone who appreciate great MUSIC.

[Note: I originally posted this review on amazon.com back in early 2008, and gave it 5 stars there. Now, almost 5 years later, I still feel the same about this album as I wrote then, but I understand calling an album "essential" and "masterpiece" is highly subjective. Were it not for the warning popup displaying upon trying to rate it with 5 stars here, and the fact that this site after all (in my opinion) should have some sort of objectivity through consensus, I'd have given it the 5 stars that *I* think it deserves. It is highly recommended.]