THE PROMETHEAN SYNDROME

Azureth V.2 - All good things come to those who wait ! Almost two years now since this release was shelved and coming on the heels of the newest Flower Kings -'Sum of No Evil' , I have to say this is the more original effort , in terms of putting a new face on retro symphonic prog rock. Stephen Riveira , the keyboardist, his addition and use of the Arturia Moog Modular will appeal to fans of that analog sound and he layers his with spacey and swirling effects -especially on the instrumentals, which this band succeeds at because this time around , every element gels , including the vocals! Last album, some might have said the drummers vocals were like listening to a 'tone deaf Viking' (yikes), well rest assured Azureth regrouped and got a new lead singer and a background vocalist for chorus. Think Alan Parsons Project longtime member Chris Rainbow melodicism combined with a touch of Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac and add a 70's execution and you have the new recipe - and it succeeeds.

This concept album works start to finish, and had it been released in the golden classic era of prog rock, Azureth would be grouped alongside their fellow greats Yes and Genesis, but the comparison stops there, because the Azureth soundworld has its' own style and sensibilities and they cannot be considered a 'clone', as this is a mature sophmore release and anyone who says otherwise is not lending a fair ear. Consider, for those progsters not really aware of Azureth, if you know and like Phideaux - 'Doomsday Afternoon' , you will most likely love 'Promethean Syndrome' , really!! That is why I can safely say that this IS a modern day masterpiece, because side by side, I believe it better than Phieaux. Azureth is not metal, so metalheads dont expect any, Azureth is not folk or jazz, so to my esteemed collegues who would prefer to listen to those genres instead of pure symph prog, again dont expect that either. Every good boy deserves favour, thus I would treat them to a playing of Azureth - Promethean Syndrome and let the synthesizers and burning guitar work take him on a hours length journey to prog Heaven!

Azureth needs to be supported and I recommend them heartily , but remember these guys are doing this in their spare time, so acknowledge the fact that Promethean Syndrome is of such lofty quality that the brilliant musicianship and song structures and awesome keyboard/guitar interplay is being performed as a labour of love and not as a soundmill enterprise. These guys should be headlining Nearfest!!

Five Stars for the music and the merits mentioned above! Buy your own copy of Promethean Syndrome today and pick up thier first album as well , if you havent already and feel the difference. Azureth will have a bright future if we progsters can create a fan base for them like fellow American band Glass Hammer.

Thank you Stephen and Mark for the privilege of hearing/enjoying the 'Promethean Syndrome'!!! Prog rock needs more heroes like you , best regards to all - Chris