Sylvan
Artificial Paradise

A neo-progressive band from Germany, largely unknown but capable of evoking emotions akin to the big names. Compared to peers like Marillion, Pendragon, and IQ, they garner very little attention, rarely mentioned... yet they're truly deserving, with a remarkably high quotient of intelligence and emotional depth.

The sound of Sylvan (not to be confused with the Italian illusionist of the same name) is very delicate, sensitive, at times almost depressive, if you'll allow the term, characterized by an absolutely light and never pompous use of all instruments. Emphasis on atmosphere and melody, keyboards always light and never intrusive, the same goes for the guitar, ditto for the bass and drums. Even when hard-rock and metal elements emerge, it never reaches true aggressiveness, rather just a moderate energetic charge. A sound that might somewhat remind one of Marillion's second phase (the one with Hogarth) yet possesses its own identity. A notable role is played by vocalist Marco Gluhmann: a very expressive voice with a good timbral variety (which, in my opinion, resembles Doug Robb from Hoobastank, and don't you say otherwise), a voice that serves as a vehicle for emotions excellently, sometimes more energetic, sometimes more reflective, depending on the moments, but also quite catchy (he could easily sing in a pop group)... and why not, I think he's someone who women might find a bit appealing (doesn't he resemble Miguel Angel Munoz a little? What do you think?).

The band has so far produced 7 albums which unfortunately have received far too little attention. "Artificial Paradise" is their third album and is certainly one of the most valid in their decade-long career. Released in 2002, it contains all the previously described elements. The album opens with "Deep Inside", a melodic track with an emphasis on keyboards and characterized by almost desperate singing in the chorus. "That's Why It Hurts" is a track with an extremely relaxed atmosphere and features a melody that quickly captures the listener: the light and clean keyboard carpet is accompanied by delicate guitar touches that fit very well with the melody, and the bass line, also very light, is no exception. Track No. 3 "Strange Emotion" is shorter and notably more lively and catchy, while the next one, "Human Apologies", is, in my opinion, one of the most accomplished moments on the album thanks to its metal-oriented sound with electronic tones and orchestral arrangements present in the track. "Timeless Traces" is another notable track, with excellently chosen keyboard sounds, once again relaxed atmospheres, and a vocal performance that meets the occasion, especially in the chorus. "I Still Believe" is oriented towards moderate hard rock sonorities, and although it is not the most striking track on the album, it is appreciated for its driving rhythm that offers a few energetic minutes in an album of deliberately soft rhythms. "Around The World" is to be considered a small stroke of genius: there are more technical moments with great keyboard passages and vaguely jazz-fusion-flavored rhythms alternating with refined and quite catchy acoustic melodies. The 2 delicate minutes marked by the piano in "Souvenirs" serve as a bridge for the commendable 20-minute suite which gives the album its title. The first part of the track is excellent: almost Pink Floyd-like atmospheres and a guitar that might sound quite Gilmour-like to many. Good and catchy chorus, the track includes orchestral moments and beautiful keyboard sounds, but the most interesting part is found in the second half where metal-like guitars are accompanied by perfect electronic sounds and a delightful and surely unexpected hip-hop style sung part. The final chorus backing vocals are also very beautiful.

We are therefore faced with a little gem of neo-progressive, as undervalued as it deserves to be rediscovered. I don't want to give it 5 stars because I'd get a lot of criticism, but probably also because no comparisons can be made with the big names, but what I hope for is that this band gets the attention it hasn't received sufficiently so far, probably precisely because it's overshadowed by big names.

Truly an interesting product!