BEYOND THE BRIDGE - review added 18th January 2012
Album Review: The Old Man And The Spirit (2012)
For fans of: Progressive Metal
German prog outfit Beyond the Bridge started back in 1999 under the name Fallout, though it wasn’t until 2005 that things began to move towards the creation of music. In fact this album is the first LP the band has released.
The band's sound is uncompromisingly progressive, flitting from extreme metal to soft rock to classical to pop with something akin to a strobe effect. "The Old Man And The Spirit" is not easy going.
The album boasts elements that are hugely irritating and some that are amazing. It's a difficult release to review because, on one hand, you get Dilenya Mar's superb vocals. She's a revelation, not necessarily very rocking but she has a stunning sound that belongs near the top of the charts. Then you have the song construction which is often so anal and unlistenably complicated there seems little point continuing. And then there's the excellent musicianship...and great songs like 'World Of Wonders'...and god-awful interruptions like 'The Primal Demand'...and it goes on. For every positive there's a negative, and for every negative there's a moment of wonder.
In Summation:
The guys who made this album are clearly very talented and clever, but they've made something that will only appeal to the very fringes of musical appreciation. Love full-on prog? Check this out. Otherwise I'd give it a very wide berth.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. The Call
02. The Apparition
03. Triumph Of Irreality
04. The Spring Of It All
05. World Of Wonders
06. The Primal Demand
07. Doorway To Salvation
08. The Struggle
09. The Difference Is Human
10. Where The Earth And Sky Meet
11. All A Man Can Do
Band/Performers:
Herbie Langhans - Vocals
Dilenya Mar - Vocals
Peter Degenfeld - Guitar
Christopher Tarnow - Keyboards
Dominik Stotzem - Bass
Fabian Maier - Drums
Simon Oberender - Keyboards/Guitar
Other Info:
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Beyond The Bridge | Facebook
