STAGEHOUND

Salt Lake City prog rockers Advent Horizon returned in May this year with their second studio album titled 'Stagehound.' The 11-track record comes with a focused story-telling, remarkable songwriting and with an offer of something that separates them from the bigger part of the prog gang. The band is not shy to explore within pop, indie rock or alternative and fuse these elements with sound-defining progressive rock and metal influences.

Although 'Stagehound' is not a concept album, it feels as a musical that tells a certain story to a listener. The classic rock beats in 'Diary' strip down the sound from the progressive quirkiness of the opening 'Invasion Theorem' and second number 'Motion.' Rush-influenced vocal performance of Rylee McDonald, who also handles the guitar duties, is one of the many highlights 'Stagehound' hides in its anatomy. Listen to 'Midweek Maniac,' and the energy of 'The Working Man' by Canadian top progsters will show itself, out of the blue. However, Advent Horizon still have space to explore before an ultimate rocker is unleashed, and it would be interesting to see them hardening their sound (perhaps on upcoming releases?).

'Stagehound' possesses great balance between the up-beat rock tunes polished with rock's progressive and alternative subgenres, but what this album shows is talent of the band which certainly can bring something epic. Until then, let 'Stagehound' shows itself in its full brilliance.