UNDER THE SUN

This is such a good record, and it was mixed by Terry Brown.The vocals are really unique, i've heard them described as sounding like Ozzy, but in a lower tone.They sound strained but in a good way.

These great vocals and harmonies are the focus of the first song "This Golden Voyage". I really like the vocal melody (instead of words) that are used on the chorus of "Tracer", and the guitar solo rocks and the piano melody is nice. "Seeing Eye God" is an ok, uptempo tune. I feel the same way about "Gardens Of Autumn" although the intro is good with heavy guitars, synths and drums. "Perfect World" is one of the highlights for me, it's different sounding, and the instrumental sections are fast paced at times. The vocals sound almost like they are yelled, and there are some really good guitar solos. "Reflections" is another really good song that is a slower paced, powerful tune. "Breakwater" is amazing, opening with bagpipes and the sound of seagulls.There are some good drums, organ and some crazy guitar melodies.The vocals are incredible ! The melody at five minutes is awesome !

"The Time Being" has some tempo changes, sampling, crisp drumming and best of all, lots of great guitar solos ! "Dream Catcher" has some narration from Chief Running Bear, a Cheroke Native American. Lots of organ in this one, as well as a scorching guitar solo 61/2 minutes in. "From Henceforth Now And Forever (PS 124)" is the best song in my opinion, opening with synths and drums and a vocal line ( that is the title of this song) that are the only words sung, on and off throughout the song. Lots of guitar, drums, synths and even a bass solo. The song ends with thunder and rain. Psalm 124 is about Isreal stating that if God had not been on their side their enemies would have destroyed them. So I think the band is saying that God is on our side now and forever.

I highly recommend this record, it's well worth checking out.

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Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 | Review this album | Report (Review #101182)

Under the Sun self titled album from 2000 is the only release of this american band. Issued by Magna Carta same year. Well, what we have here is a good pleasent type of prog rock with sporadicaly some prog metal elements thrown in but Under the Sun never being a prog metal band in overall sound. They remind me of bands like Rush with an americanized sound quite similar with Tiles or Enchant in manner of composing. Overall is a good album, even great in places, but I can't see this album as a masterpieces or close, is fairly decent with strong musicianship and some great ideas on some pieces like Breakwater for instance being I guess the best tune of the album together with The time being. Very nice solid guitar parts and keyboards. I think this album were little higher for me in rating if wasn't the crisp vocal parts of Chris Shryack, while is far from bad is the lowest point of the album, the instrumental sections are really tight. Overall 3.5 stars, worth to be discovered.

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Posted Sunday, June 23, 2013 | Review this album | Report (Review #984519)

UNDER THE SUN!Oh,another forgotten,or almost,musical jewel from MAGNA CARTA,once a legend in prog metal labels,the mark of of good quality,where some incredible bands made their first steps in the prog world !Magna Carta was the craddle for SHADOW GALLERY,MAGELLAN,ENCHANT,ICE AGE,CAIRO,to name ... (read more)

Report this review (#256899) | Posted by Ovidiu | Saturday, December 19, 2009 | Review Permanlink

I can easily see why this album would appeal to Kansas fans as Under the Sun really do sound like vintage Kansas. That's not to say that they are a pure clone, far from it. I wouldn't call these guys prog-metal, they are actually more art rock and at times even a little symphonic prog. You ... (read more)

Report this review (#68787) | Posted by dltonya | Wednesday, February 8, 2006 | Review Permanlink

I first took notice of this CD when I read an interview with Rich Williams (Kansas) He was saying that Under The Sun are a fantastic band that should apeal to most Kansas fans and the prog world in general. This CD has some fantastic songs on it and really is a classic Prog CD ... Under The S ... (read more)

Report this review (#56084) | Posted by White Feather | Saturday, November 12, 2005 | Review Permanlink

My only regret is that this site does not let you rate 0 stars. If ever there was an album that deserved it, it is this one. I listened to this years ago in preperation for their NearFest performance. I almost didn't attend that performance after hearing this. But I thought I should give t ... (read more)

Report this review (#56064) | Posted by | Saturday, November 12, 2005 | Review Permanlink

Thank God or whoever, nobody called it Neo. I hate that word. It's just good music with nice old fashion song build up's. Some keyboards, awesome bass, solid drums, good voice, and no guitar in front. It's fresh, and everybody who buy's it will have a favorite. Not that difficult with all the ... (read more)

Report this review (#56030) | Posted by Hét LICHAAM | Saturday, November 12, 2005 | Review Permanlink

Interesting, Seeing Eye God and Dream Catcher are my favorite tracks on this CD, although Seeing Eye God is too fun and bouncy for pure prog. Very appealing though, I love the funky sound of it. The bassist & drummer are a perfect solid backdrop. This CD is on my all-time top ten favorite list. ... (read more)

Report this review (#42775) | Posted by | Sunday, August 14, 2005 | Review Permanlink

I almost gave this CD a 5 star rating but could not quite due to the fact that in my opinion there are 2 songs not deserving that status (Seeing Eye God and Dream Catcher) But those 2 songs only make up 10 min. of a 67 min. CD. All the other 8 songs (again, in my opinion) are perfect. Under ... (read more)

Report this review (#33007) | Posted by | Monday, January 24, 2005 | Review Permanlink

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