CONNECTED

Summer 2021 sees the sophomore full-fledged album produced by that Chicago based CYBERIAM quartet. While considering cover art, song titles, and lyrics this in fact is showcasing a concept dealing with contemporary human connectivity concerning artificial intelligence, cyberspace, cosmic travels, and so on. And of course everything was deeply influenced by COVID-19 pandemic experiences, which has changed a lot. Anyhow, that didn't hurt in any way, in this case. Keith Semple (guitar) and Brian Kovacs (bass) are fronting this outfit, both responsible for the vocal task too. Eh, recognition value somehow during the first listening session. Ted Leonard guesting? Well, the singing voice on the opening song Interrogation Room B, I ultimately had to check the liner notes. No, he's not, it's Keith Semple I would assume. Just to forward my loose impressions, not that I have a problem with this specialty anyway.

Top-notch compositions and exorbitant musicianship. This album is a treasure! Heavy progressive rock fans are easily connected here, especially when you're keen on Rush, Enchant and Porcupine Tree inspired stuff. Just let me highlight the energetic hard-hitting In SaN1tY as one proper example. Followed by the heartfelt ballad Be Connected. Nothing so-so here, 'Connected' turns out to be a rounded album, because each and every particular track convinces me. Nevertheless I have to reveal my definite album masterpiece now. It's Sunset On Mars coming with perfectly incorporated astronaut speech. Definitely also something for sophisticated heavy space rock aficionados. So much talent in place, stay on track guys. I'm quite sure sooner or later there will come more exciting stuff from this band.