“Myst of Lyriad” is the newest album from progressive rock / metal group, Thought Chamber.
The core band is the same as TC’s previous “Psykerion” record, featuring composer & guitarist Michael Harris (also Arch Rival, Darkology, Vitalij Kuprij, solo artist for 35+ yrs; Michael has written 20 albums of globally released music); Bill Jenkins on keyboards (also in Enchant); Mike Haid, drummer extraordinaire from metal to jazz (formerly of David Chastain & Michael Harris solo records); and Jeff Plant on bass (Jimi Tunnell; Vast Conduit: Marcelo Berestovoy).
The album features multiple lead vocalists, including Travis Wills (of Crimson Glory), Devon Graves (Psychotic Waltz), and John Jaycee Cuijpers (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and Thought Chamber’s own Michael Harris singing lead on “Shine Again”. Stylistically, “Myst of Lyriad” ranges from prog rock (with much acoustic) to prog metal, using the band’s signature “interplay” sound, dividing up riffs and solos back & forth rapidly between the instruments. The 10 track opus begins with the epic length title song (which is a continuation of the “Psykerion” story), with the rest of the record continuing with the tracks “Identity Theft”, “New Dawn Sun Ride”, “Rainless”, “Here Upon This Earth”, “Shine Again”, “Digitized”, “A Qwinkle In Time”, “Nyctophobia”, and “Leaving Lyriad”.
Thought Chamber explores the most progressive aspects...some passages even flirt quite intensely with jazz. Conceived as a concept album, it's far from theoretical self-indulgence. This “Myst of Lyriad” is an evocative journey. Supported by a number of artists and singers, this album navigates sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent waters with effortless grace. There is talent and mastery here, that's evident. The more fusion-oriented passages reinforce the unique character of this music. Between lyrical flights and deconstructed passages, the tracks flow with surprising fluidity. The sheer richness of this album compels you to return to it regularly to discover all the subtleties that may have initially escaped you. Yet another fine opus from Michael Harris. -Underground Investigation Fanzine-
