ARTIFICIAL PARADISE

Apart from the ''Encounters'' album Sylvan took part in 2000 in the Pink Floyd tribute album ''Signs of Life - A Tribute to Pink Floyd'', covering the ''High Hopes'' track from the ''Division bell'' album.With their career on a rise Sylvan moved on to the recordings of a third studio album now with a stable line-up featuring Sebastian Harnack on bass.The new work of the band was named ''Artificial Paradise'', released in 2002 on ProgRock Records and distributed in Germany by Point Music.

''Artificial Paradise'' shows another sound development by Sylvan, which are listed among the most inventive bands, whether one likes this or not.One element of their music remains solid from the very first album and these are the deep and emotional atmospheres.But their strong COLLAGE/80's MARILLION/PINK FLOYD influences are now mixed with more artistic and polished arrangements in the vein of SATELLITE, MILLENIUM or Hogarth-era MARILLION.This mix of old and new inspirations shows a strong emphasis towards elaborate arrangements, often with an orchestral touch, highly lyrical moments, atmospheric grooves, long and emotional solos and grandiose keyboard work.But there is also a very careful use of vocal distortions along with sound effects and narrations, which make Sylvan a band walking constantly and more deeply into the new Prog age.The demanding instrumental passages and solos are nicely combined with catchy grooves and metal riffing at moments to make the style of the band - if not unique - at least highly challenging.Of course, as with ''Encounters'', there are a couple of weaker songs or a few sterile parts in the longer ones but overall the material on this album is well-executed and arranged.

''Artificial Paradise'' will leave much to be desired for any fan of Classic Prog/Neo Prog.But if you are not stuck in these years, this album has plenty to offer.Grandiose musicianship, nice atmospheres and a great singer.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.