When I first found out about FromUZ, back in 2011, I immediately requested to review two of their greatest works, Quartus Artifactus and the Seventh Story. Then, strangely, over time, we lost touch. Well, searching through my Facebook contacts one night, I found a message I sent to them, providing the link to the Seventh Story review I completed. Well, I sent them a request to review their latest work. And, they almost immediately shot back an email containing the demo for their latest epic, Asymmetric Rules, which was released on SOE Records, back on February 22, of this year.
The Uzbekistan – based FromUZ, band is still one of the best progressive rock bands making music in the 2020’s. FromUZ is Albert Khalmurzayev on on bass, keyboards, guitar, harmonica, and backing vocals; Vladimir Badirov, on drums; Vitaly Popeloff, on guitars, and lead vocals; and Evgeniy Popelov on keyboards and backing vocals.
Asymmetric Rules, is everything I remember from the two Goliathan, and epic, albums, that I reviewed a decade ago. And now, along with jazz, prog, and instrumental masterpieces, they have added the blues…and yes, lyrics, and vocals. A complete band, ready to compete for the top spots in all of the progressive music polls. They only need more promotion. Well, I’m here, to do all that I can.
Please drop what you are doing, especially, if you, like me are making up your year end, ‘best of’ lists; and buy a copy of Asymmetric Rules. This is the amazing music that you will remember from the 1960s and 70s. This album should be on your best albums of 2022. Don’t miss it. Like me, you would have regrated having this album on your best of 2022 list.
Every track on this album is epic and a thing of wonder. Like the other albums I have reviewed for them, it is an album of non-stop discovery and repeat listens. You will want to rewind to hear the multi-layers this band lays out on an album. It is a dream come true, for anyone who loves prog, the symphonic way it used to be made. Like Genesis, Yes, King Crimson and others.
The fun kicks off, with one of the best “Overtures” I have heard in years. It is like hearing John Williams, of Star Wars fame. And this album only gets better. Opening with dramatic drums, horns, and orchestration galore. A symphonic opening you will not soon forget. In fact, you, like me, may get stuck here just enjoying this track. But please, play on. A symphonic and cinematic masterpiece.
“Round and Round”, has a “Roundabout” feel to it, however, this is not a vision of the Yes classic. Yes, there are deep bass and beautiful keys, like a Yes record. But with Vitaly Popeloff singing, the sound transitions to early Alan Parsons, and that must always lead back to Pink Floyd foundations. But this really is pure Alan Parson’s beauty in composition. “Follow the dream that you are searching for”, Popeloff sings. With glimpses of the feel of “Day After Day”, it is simply magnificent. Then, they get all heavy metal and power chords. Finally returning in the end to a Floyd/Parsons sound, thankfully.
“Air Dance”, is the first of three delightful guitar “dances” on the album. Close your eyes and enjoy these acoustic moments, for the 37 seconds they last.
“Universe” is another of the best songs on the album. Full of some asymmetric keyboards and spacey rhythms. This one is a drummers’ blast off to space. A drummer’s wish list for power and drilling themes. The guitar work and almost whispered lyrics start slow until some ELO-like vocals permeate the soundscape. Those drums are definitely Tool – like. Then, they do what they have always done best; play the perfect instrumental. Imagine Tool drums with Jeff Lynne singing. Yeah, I like that combination too.
“Air Dance – Part II” is another wonderful acoustic guitar piece that you will also love. This one is a little longer, at 59 seconds.
“Darling”, is a bluesy and punchy, lead electric guitar romp, with drums and Vitaly Popeloff singing, what might sound a little like Pink Floyd, injected with Metallica. The middle-section is a keyboard, drum and guitar maze of power. Simply outstanding rhythms and sounds. Very Dream Theater; at their height of creativity. When they were still having fun. The long instrumental: FromUZ’s claim to fame.
The third and final “Air Dance III’ is the longest, and maybe the best.
“No End”, is another instrumental wonder. Simply astonishing how they can keep coming up with all the layers of powerful fun they put together here. Almost feels like an Uzbek dance at times. The guitar soloing and intricate guitar and bass work on this one will leave you breathless. Then, the keyboards join in for their opportunity to shine, and it is amazing.
“R and G Time”; could it really be rag time? They play a little at the beginning. Just like ELP. But deep drums, thunder and some wicked themes surround the piano. Simply astounding and interesting. The way progressive rock used to be. Something completely unexpected. Then they speed it up with space sounds and synthesizers. Amazing. Thank you.
“Wings of the Fast Lane”, is the closer of the year, that you and I have been waiting all year to hear. What an amazing song, indeed. It opens with regal electric guitar soloing, even Brian May, might be impressed with the guitar; befitting an epic closer. Then deeper, chugging bass and lead electric guitar, along with accompanying drums and keyboards. A masterpiece building steam and power. Like Dream Theater, in their heyday. Pacing faster, climbing higher. Then, some moments of Zappa. Inspired theatrics, complete with xylophone and punchy guitar.
Halfway through, they change the tune and sound, to compete with the kings of modern blues, Led Zeppelin. Jimmy would be proud. A bluesy, swampy, rhythm that absolutely made me smile, wide. Vitaly Popeloff attempts his best Robert Plant or closer to David Coverdale. So many memories of Led Zeppelin classics role by as they play on. “Kashmir” “Travelling Riverside Blues”, and more. The intricate guitar work is some of the best I’ve heard this year. (Wish Orianthi had tried some of this on her album this year). Great to hear all this and it brings back memories of the past. The “Asymmetric Rules”, then take over the ending, with a guitar and drum powered signoff that will leave you wanting to hear the next album as soon as possible.
Great to have this band back on the main stage again. Now if only the festival and concert promoters would listen to this music and provide this band the global presence they deserve. Please do not miss this album, during this year. Please help them get a shot at the progressive polls to be able to tour and spread their sound worldwide. This is amazing music that should be given a platform larger than they have right now; from an almost forgotten part of the globe. Absolutely amazing, in every way. Take it to the bank.
Track List
- Overture – 3:12
- Round and Round – 8:26
- Air Dance – Part I – 0:37
- Universe – 7:51
- Air Dance – Part II – 0:59
- Darling – 10:02
- Air Dance – Part III – 1:23
- No End – 12:15
- R and G Time – 4:08
- Wings of the Fast Lane – 19:19
- Deep Silence
- Theme
- Man from the Fast Lane
- Theme – Part II
- The Asymmetric Rules
https://www.facebook.com/FromuzBand/
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fromuz
This is exciting! I can hardly wait to hear it. Thank you, Mark, for this excellent review of this most excellent band!
Thank you Ken. Great to hear from you.