From the Silence (10T Records, 2014)
American progressive rock band Iluvatar appeared in the 1990s, inspired by the second wave of progressive rock bands of the 1980s, known by some as neoprog. From the Silence is the group’s first album in ten years and the neoprog influence still characterizes Iluvatar’s sound.
The first cuts on the album, ‘Open the Door’ and ‘Resolution’ have echoes of Marillion, hard rock, Rush-style vocals, and IQ-style guitars and keyboards.
With track 4, ‘Le Ungaire Moo-Moo’ the group ventures into much more interesting symphonic progressive rock with a rich palette of keyboards including mellotron, piano; outstanding drum and bass work and soaring guitar lines. Iluvatar sounds much more original and mature here.
On the epic ‘Across the Coals’ the group opens with a quiet guitar and vocal passage. The vocals show more personality here as well. As the music builds, the listener is treated to beautiful guitar and keyboard interplays and solos.
The organ and pop drum beat of ‘The Storm’ takes the band back into lighter neoprog territory. The most notable part of this song are its brief keyboard solos.
‘Favorite Son’ begins with folk-rock acoustic guitar and engaging vocals. The piece grows into classic symphonic rock with wonderful synth solos and mellotron.
Track 8 , ‘Between’ follows a similar pattern as the previous song although the band injects hard rock riffs at times straying away from progressive rock.
‘The Silence!’ is one of the best cuts on the album. It starts with layers of ambient synths and spacy guitars. You’ll find some of the best guitar work on this piece in the form of various mesmerizing techniques. ‘The Silence!’ is a delightful combination of epic progressive symphonic rock and space rock.
Track 10, ‘Older Now’ showcases a ballad with vocals, delicate acoustic guitar and a synth solo.
The last cut, ‘Until’ is as expected an epic closing piece that builds up very nicely with notable guitar solos and vocal interplay. There is a brief hidden instrumental track that makes you wish for more.
“This new CD is an attempt to capture emotions and reactions to personal events, as well as embracing the aging process, and all that goes with it,” explains bassist Dean Morekas. “The music is truly a collaborative effort by all members of the band. The music comes from our hearts and we hope to pierce your soul!”
The lineup on From the Silence includes Glenn McLaughlin on vocals and percussion; Dennis Mullin on guitars; Jim Rezek on keyboards; Dean Morekas on bass, bass pedals, and backing vocals; and Chris Mack on drums and percussion.