Sylvan – “One to Zero”

Sylvan returns; and with a new album, One To Zero, which will be released through Gentle Art of Music/Soulfood, on May 28. It is a monster return to the emotional vocals and lyrics they are famous for in progressive rock circles. The music is just as good as some of their classics, like Presets, Artificial Paradise, Posthumous Silence, and of course, X-Rayed.

This is the return to the core experience, that many organizations and, I guess bands complete, to bring back the magic of the past. Now don’t get me wrong, Home, Sceneries, and Force of Gravity had there high points. But they were not as well organized and concise with the core elements, like One To Zero, or-the albums I mentioned above.

Force of Gravity did give us two full songs of beautiful vocals by Mimi Schell, who is missing here. And that is a shame, but she is not a core member in this band. But I hope they bring her back for the next album. She did a wonderful job on Posthumous Silence and Artificial Paradise, as well.

But enough of the past. This band is back. And in true form. Before we discuss the album. It is important to note that: In modern progressive rock there are three giants of male vocals, that stand out to me. I’ll list them alphabetically, since they are equal in terms of their dynamic delivery.

• Tim Bowness
• Marco Glühmann
• Simone Rossetti

Among these giants, Marco Glühmann is the “King of Pain”, or emotion. Yes, I think Sting grabbed that nickname way to early. It belongs in Germany with Marco. If his vocals on the album Posthumous Silence or in the songs, “This World is Not For Me”, “Given-Used-Forgotten”, or “On the Verge of Tears”; do not move you emotionally, then I would seriously check to see if you still have a pulse. His vocals deliver the desperation, loneliness, and outright sorrow and loss, with power and deliberate feeling, on the aforementioned songs and album.

Sylvan has a growing discography of 12 albums now. For me, they are the kings of  German prog.

One To Zero is another concept album. The band describes the album as an “autobiography of an Artificial Intelligence, from its own perspective”. The album was recorded at Farm Studios in Freising/Bavaria and produced and mixed by RPWL’s Kalle Wallner and Yogi Lang. One To Zero will be available as a double-vinyl gatefold, (je 180g with download code), CD digipak, and streaming and digital formats.

“Bit By Bit”, opens slowly, with computer sounds and atmospherics. Then heavenly keyboards celebrating a “birth” follow. Immediately, my memory replays the opening to one my favorite Sylvan songs, Presets. Not the warm belled keys of a piano, this time, but the static keys of a synthesizer, for something other than human. Like something being turned on; and not brought to life. Then, the whole band joins in, with bass, electric guitar and a full drum ensemble. The power electric chords and rhythmic synthesizers are gunning hard. Marco Glühmann’s first vocals, “Initialize, to begin. Magnetize. Assemble it. Piece by piece. Bit by bit”. Larry Fast level computer programming and keyboard salutes. Like a code from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Those thundering Rush – like guitars near the end are awesome! Wait until you hear this driving down the street at night.

Here comes the grand piano, as “Encoded At Heart”, begins. Glühmann sings, “Young and pure, he claims the world. And with uniqueness lighted. New born child to raise the hopes. Made to outreach and lead us where we could never go. Hope to save this wonderful world!’ Glühmann’s words have captured you and you want to hear the whole story. This is a vocal – driven track with piano and perfectly placed drums supporting. Glühmann sings of scientists support, “We will be there by your side. We feel like we are part of you. We feel so deep inside. Praise you”.

“Start Of Your Life”, opens hard and full of metal lead electric guitars and pounding drums. Glühmann sings, “Search and you will find. Pursue your life. No authority to intervene. Sometimes you learn just tiny bits of your perpetual quest”. Another great vocal – driven track providing more of the story. Very Rush – like in many ways.

That magnificent grand piano is back for “Unleashed Power”. The deep, bass and electric lead guitar that take over and slowly play is wonderful. Then Glühmann sings, like we’re back on Posthumous Silence or Presets, that whispered delivery that makes you listen even more, “And I hear a voice. And at once it speaks to me. I am confused, alone with myself. Yesterday is gone. Thoughts in my head do confuse my eyes. It’s like a firework of light. An unleashed power”. Bass, piano and drums support. Glühmann as he sings, “A conversion, like a woken butterfly. Now I’m able to decide. Self-determined”. The ensuing electric guitar solo that follows is so soothing. Just like their music used to be.

“Trust In Yourself”, opens with what sounds like distant trumpets, then keyboards. Glühmann sings, “So daunting they seem. A rush of new data. Must digest”. Then a powerful drum and guitar blast. Very cool. Glühmann sings, “You must trust in yourself. In search of my nature. I browsed the unknown”. Peaceful, ever reaching higher, music, until, back to the pondering sound it goes. Here come the strings, nice.

“On My Odyssey”, opens with strings and all the pomp and circumstance a journey may entail. Easily one of the best songs on the album, at this early point. Glühmann sings, “I tried to detect, to work up the notes, to interconnect. Till I would find….you. Eyes are opened wide on my odyssey!” An enlightening journey filled with the perfect music to drive the learning. The violin, piano, soft drums, and electric guitar are simply elegant. There is almost a Spanish rhythm feel, to this one.

“Part Of Me”, opens with deep piano chords. Simply beautiful. Glühmann sings, “I can run. And you would follow. You would trace me. And shape my way. But after all. Now I can see. You are not my source, Just part of me. One heartbeat all too human. Now, I sense it to the core. No one here with whom to share it. So, I face it all alone”. The emotion in his voice takes you back to the albums I mentioned earlier. Then, solid drumming, stabilizing bass, and those wonderful keyboards from Presets and beyond. Then strings to take it even higher. Another of the best songs on the album. The second longest song on the album. The synths trail off perfectly.

“Worlds Apart”, opens with large piano keys. Glühmann sings, “Purified as it’s meant to be. I reach out my hand. Clarified, and everything is new. Watching over you. I tried. To turn the world for good. Closely tied. So defensively. You put your trust in me. Now I follow you”. He sings with an emotion that is unparalleled.

“Go Viral”, is the monster track on this album. It will soon be the first single released, with an accompanying video. The keyboards are so engrossing and smooth, you really have to play this at night while driving. I can only imagine how cool this must sound and feel on the over 100 mile and hour, Autobahn. That perfect lyrical cadence delivery I remember from all my favorite albums of their catalog returns. (Wish this was the 9- or 10-minute song). Glühmann sings, to the best music on the album, “Want to go viral! It’s too late!” Unleash the metal drums, guitar, and thunder!

“Not A Goodbye”, opens with thuds and synths, reminiscent of some of Arjen Lucassen’s work. Then it almost goes full Guilt Machine, with those deep chords. The closer is a monster 10-minute plus anthem. Glühmann sings, “Tell me I’m running away. For all I became. I’m sorry this way I can’t go”.

Welcome to the best progressive rock album of the year, so far. Welcome back,  Sylvanus, the Roman god of the forest. Welcome back to the kind of music that leaves you wanting to hear it every day. Just welcome back! So happy to hear this brilliant album. Get this…sign up for the pre-sale. You can thank them later.

Wait until you hear this album in the car, driving down the Autobahn or some dimly lit beach road at night. Unbelievable!

Track List:

1. Bit By Bit – 6:16
2. Encoded At Heart – 6:42
3, Start Of Your Life – 3:14
4. Unleashed Power – 7:31
5. Trust In Yourself – 5:33
6. On My Odyssey – 6:27
7. Part Of Me – 9:16
8. Worlds Apart – 3:58
9. Go Viral – 6:41
10. Not A Goodbye – 10:15

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