Thought Chamber: Psykerion

Welcome inside the Thought Chamber. Yes, one of the coolest band names I've heard since…of course…Dream Theater. Well…first I must admit that I missed the early train leaving the station to review their last album, Angular Perceptions, which was another masterpiece. So, I am writing this review a day after receiving the promo to make certain history does not repeat.

The creators in the Thought Chamber are Ted Leonard, on lead vocals; Michael Harris, composer, guitars, keyboards, and harmony vocals; Jeff Plant, bass; Bill Jenkins, keyboards, (Enchant); and Mike Haid on drums.

Psykerion is a concept album drawing together elements of prog-metal, jazz-fusion and acoustic rock. The concept behind Psykerion as described by Michael Harris, the composer and chief lyricist is, "somewhere between sci-fi and a human drama, and musically somewhere between the furious and the tranquil. The story takes place well into the future and is told from the eyes of a young boy, Avakus. While witnessing a perilous mission aboard the futuristic city-like ship, Kerakryps - One, as it traverses through the galaxy of Psykerion, Avakus' life is forever altered, causing him to reflect on and question his own life, as well as the objectives & destiny of all mankind". Psykerion is a 16 track monster, clocking in at just over 64 minutes of mind bending music.

It will be released on September 16th, 2013 in Europe and on October 1st, 2013 in North America via InsideOutMusic. The album's cover artwork, was designed by John E. Holland at MistyMountainGraphics.com. This band knows how to locate the best artists for their album covers. Their last album, Angular Perceptions had one of the best album covers and artwork of 2007. Psykerion's cover maintains the standard well. I am looking forward to purchasing the full CD to see all of the artwork when the album is available.

The album was mixed and mastered by Tom Size, (Y&T, Aerosmith, Mr. Big, Enchant), at Tomland Studios in Pacheco, CA.

I advise headphones for this one. After all it is a thought chamber, right? You will be better able to appreciate all the time and effort devoted to the album mastering by Tom Size. However, roaring down the freeway you will probably get just as much enjoyment.

The opener "Inceptus" kicks off with solid drums, space flight level lead electric guitars, signpost bass, and launching keyboards before the real rumble of drums, the grinding engines of the lead electrics and the soaring keys take off. Ignition and lift – off.

"Exodus" opens with spacey zero gravity keys. Like something I hope to experience from the movie Gravity next month. This opening keyboard sound will give you that effortlessly floating feeling immediately. But prepare for thundering drums, roaring guitars, soaring diamond keys, heavy bass and plenty of space atmospherics.

When you hear some great Geddy Lee level bass guitar you know you will have made it to "Psykerion: The Question". Thought Chamber waits until this third track to unleash the dynamic vocals of Ted Leonard. Leonard's vocals will take you back to Steve Walsh's vocals from some of the classics of the band Kansas. When he sings, "Eyes unyielding through a cosmic sea. World of conquest. Furthest degree fate upon us. Spirit reborn to reach Psykerion". It really is remarkable the unbelievable similarities. In this part of the thought experience we fly through space and then dive through the atmosphere of a planet; experiencing "Rapid is our descent. Burning through the atmosphere. Blinded by prismatic light approaching us so near. Quadrant Three trajectory a treacherous travail".

Then acoustic guitar welcomes us to "In the Words of Avakus". Despite the awesome acoustic guitar and soft keys, everything is not copacetic. Leonard sings, "Spinning through time; on a decline. Trapped in the world around me all that I see is obscurity. Yet my purpose seems so clear a varying scope. A glimmer of hope radiating through me. Still the darkness will transcend". The acoustic guitar accompanying him will take you back to Rush and some of Dream Theater's best tracks. Later Leonard sings, "But as I stand, tomorrow's hand reaches over to me. Lending courage to my cause".

"Light Year Time" opens like a great Kansas/Yes match; full of those deep organ keys and heavy bass you remember, and of course Leonard's Walsh – like vocals. The highs he reaches will bring back so many magic moments of Kansas' past. One of the best tracks, full of emotion and great vocals. The keyboard interlude in the middle of the song will take you back to classic Styx, but the heavy electric guitar will bring you back to the Thought Chamber.

"Kerakryps" opens with excellent deep space atmospherics along with some deep bass accompanying. Leonard's vocals deepen as he draws a lyrical picture of the city like ship. Avakus speaks through Leonard to his mother and father, "I'm sorry we're apart. And to my dearest Leva, I give you all my heart. I promise you we will return. Our mission will not fail". Spacey keys, excellent cymbal work, deep punctuating bass and solid drums flow with the metal guitars and Dream Theater like sounds filling the air.

Michael Harris, the chief composer, whose father is a jazz musician, definitely displays his jazz influence during "The Black Hole Lounge". The little over a minute, instrumental jazz excursion will take you away to maybe the "Cantina Scene" from Star Wars, only with less of the oddities.

But the power eventually transitions back to a heavier rocker on "Circuits of O.D.D.". This song is full of some dramatic keyboards reminiscent of Jordan Rudess and others as the bass and lead guitars build momentum.

"Behind the Eyes of Ikk" opens with flashy electronics and atmospheric effects that must be heard with headphones to appreciate their full effect. They will otherwise freak out the neighbors if played loud on good speakers. (At least that was my experience). The Rudess – like keys will stun and amaze. But the metal grinder guitars fill the air with power. Leonard's Walsh – like vocals get better with each track. The piano played later in the track is another brilliant album highlight. More great Geddy Lee – like deep bass chords as well. This is the second longest track at 8:36, so sit back and get comfortable for the symphonic ride.

Ocean waves and soft keys fill the air on the "Isle of Bizen". Cool spacey keys and an almost Yes, "And You and I', acoustic guitar melody helps lift spirits even higher. Yah, imagine "And You and I' with an ocean opening. Nice. Only this time Leonard has you thinking Walsh singing the Yes classic. After all, this is a thought chamber and why not drift a little. But the lyrics here are full of their own inspiration. My second favorite track on the album.

"Xyrethius II" opens with those dark, but grandiose eerie keys, before a soaring lead electric guitar solo rocks through the atmosphere. The solo continues until the heavy bass, pounding drums and surrounding keys join in on the ride that then later turns to a march. A wonderful spacey instrumental.

"Recoil" opens with cool lead electric guitar and searing violin. The power drums, heavy bass return, with more excellent keyboards that will just lift your mind beyond the atmosphere.

"Breath of Life" is a wonderful mood altering soft guitar and deep melotronic/organ keyed track that will further relax the mind and body. Leonard sings, "While we're here. If we face the fear. And we will live one more day". Then he explodes with some of his most powerful vocals on the word "day". The synthesizers and keys that follow are great.

"Transcend" is the epic track at 9:39. And by epic I do mean they pull out all the stops. As if there were any there to begin with. The opening key and lead guitar riff will stay with you long after the track ends. This is the best song on the album. It is full of everything that has been building up so far on the album. Leonard's vocals, the heavy bass, the powerful lead electric guitar and those pulsing drums. It's all there and with no holds barred. They add acoustic guitar only pushing this track further over the top. Add in a little reggae beat and wow. Prepare for a mind bending experience with that bass. Oh, and don't forget the short drum solo…

"Planet Qwinkle" opens with some cool spacey atmospherics and that powerful deep bass, before the dancing lead electric guitar takes off with drums in tow. Another cool instrumental joined by keys and some acoustic guitar as well. Dramatic and full of sonic power. Adding organ was brilliant. There are a couple of licks which will take you back to bits and pieces of Kansas' magnificent "Magnum Opus". Let's see if you can remember the exact sections of the epic.

"Inner Peace" closes Psykerion with remnants of Rush's 2112's Overture, mixed well with some Keith Emerson – like ELP extracts. Behold the splendor.

Well, I feel much better after having both experienced and written about this masterpiece of modern prog. This is one of the best albums of the year. Like an Arjen Lucassen space odyssey with the best of Dream Theater, Kansas, Geddy Lee and Yes on board the Kerakryps-One. Setting the mind on a course for an inner mental journey to the stars. We are made of star stuff after all. Use your own thought chamber to dream of what it might be like up there. This album will help take you there.

Close the door to your thought chamber and put on some headphones and enjoy the mind journey that is Psykerion. You will not regret the experience.

Track Listing:

1. Inceptus
2. Exodus
3. Psykerion: The Question
4. In the Words of Avakus
5. Light Year Time
6. Kerakryps
7. The Black Hole Lounge
8. Circuits of O.D.D.
9. Behind the eyes of Ikk
10. Isle of Bizen
11. Xyrethius II
12. Recoil
13. Breath of Life
14. Transcend
15. Planet Qwinkle
16. Inner Peace

Added: September 23rd 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
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Language: english

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