CRUSH OF NIGHT

New York based IZZ came into my radar with their sixth album, but better late than even later (you see, "never" isn't an option to me). Such a delight to find a new, highly skillful prog band that doesn't attempt to widen their audience with metallic aggression. Izz plays symphonic prog, and undoubtedly classics like Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant -- whose guitarist Gary Green guests on one track here -- have been influencers, but at the same time Izz sounds refreshingly modern.

Stylistic connections to pop, comparable to the likes of It Bites, don't decrease the charm at all, on the contrary. The arrangements are elegant as they combine art music flavoured, slightly Tori Amos reminding pianism with more synthetic soundscapes and the biting rock dynamics. The compositions are full of complexity and yet they stay away from self-indulgence.

The vocal harminies are mostly shared by the Galgano brothers while Anmarie Byrnes adds some female frequencies. Everything clicks together gorgeously. Perhaps the emotional pallette could be a bit wider on this album, but there's a lot to enjoy. Warmly recommended!

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