Elysium Theory Modern Alchemy

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by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

Modern Alchemy is the first release from New York progressive rockers Elysium Theory. This Hudson Valley quintet has put together a surprisingly mature and powerful debut album with eleven tracks of a unique mix of progressive rock and progressive metal.

Founded back in 2006 by four talented musicians from upstate New York, Elysium Theory took a long hard look around and in early 2009 found their ideal vocalist, and their patience has paid off. Displaying influences from the greats of progressive music (Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, etc.), these guys play together like a veteran band and have achieved a cohesive style and sound seldom heard on an indie debut release. With intense rhythm lines, mystical lyrics and energetic guitars too heavy to be considered pure progressive rock and sweeping keyboards and melodic vocals too light to be pure prog metal, Elysium Theory seems to straddle the two genres.

As with most progressive bands, Elysium Theory’s music is driven mostly by the rhythm section. Guitarist Tim Reid is a very good rhythm player and dials the intensity up and down as appropriate. His solo work is very good as well, and at no time does he try to dominate the sound. Keyboard player Benny Reyes is an excellent counterpart to Reid, laying down great riffs and trills, again without trying to dominate the music. These two make a fine team whether playing lead or rhythm. The guys at the bottom end are no slouches either, and further illustrate the underlying teamwork of the band. Bassist Jeff Fister is a very capable player and lays down great big booming bass lines and is equally at home during slow and moody passages. Drummer Ted Feeney is a great partner, blasting out solid drum lines and handling the many progressive tempo changes with style. Lead vocalist and newest band member Dan Peterson is a good prog singer, definitely in the mold of Dream Theater’s James LaBrie. He does not have LaBrie’s awesome dynamic range (but then who does?), but he uses his voice very well and is always enthusiastic, crisp and clear.

The key to Elysium Theory’s music is indeed the above-mentioned teamwork. The band functions like the proverbial “well-oiled machine” and there are no prima donnas here, again something not commonly heard on debut releases. The band also did their own production and engineering and delivers an almost “live” performance without using massive amounts of audio trickery. Aside from some overdubs on the vocal tracks and light layering of keys and guitars, this is a very “simple” and clean recording that suits the band well. Musically that songs are well crafted and diverse in tempo and structure, and all feature solid arrangements and smart lyrics focusing on the mystic…

“Lorimer’s Pulse” opens the album on a high as a very slick progressive instrumental, leaving no doubts as to what will follow. “Modern Alchemy” features all the progressive metal/rock characteristics: metaphysical lyrics, heavy keys, punchy bass and drums, a great guitar solo and the requisite numerous tempo changes. A bit of electronica gets tossed into the dark and creepy “Spiritcom,” while “All Seeing Eye” bounces and bubbles along driven by the bass and drums. “Beyond Yourself” is packed with fine guitar work, solid keyboards and uplifting lyrics, and “The Source” gives Peterson the opportunity to push his voice to the limit (which he only very slightly exceeds).

“Chaos” changes the tone to intense and pounding, driven by the drums, while “Russian Winter” follows with a very smooth and fluid melody, driven by well played guitars and keys. “River In The Sky” is a softer rock piece, but not quite a ballad – and is well done all around. “Blacklight Reflection” delivers more of a straight up high-energy rock groove, and “Intrigued By Faith” wraps the album with solid and thought-provoking words.

There are not many negatives here. Modern Alchemy can almost be classed as a “concept album” which inherently limits their choice of subject matter. As Elysium Theory matures their lyrical focus should begin to branch out and their musical themes become more diverse, thus broadening their commercial appeal.

Elysium Theory is a band that has worked hard, and has truly earned the loyal following they’ve acquired. With a little luck they’ll land a solid record deal and continue to make good music. Overall this is a fine debut, and any fan of progressive rock or metal will find Modern Alchemy enjoyable. The CD is available from CD Baby and Amazon, so definitely give it a listen.

Genre: Progressive Rock

Band:
Dan Peterson (vocals)
Ted Feeney (drums)
Jeff Fister (bass)
Tim Reid (guitar)
Benny Reyes (keyboards)

Track Listing:
1. Lorimer’s Pulse
2. Modern Alchemy
3. Spiritcom
4. All Seeing Eye
5. Beyond Yourself
6. The Source
7. Chaos
8. Russian Winter
9. River In The Sky
10. Blacklight Reflection
11. Intrigued By Faith

Label: Indie

Website: http://www.elysiumtheory.com/

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10