Nad Sylvan "The Regal Bastard"

Hello fellow progheads!  Extremely grateful to find you back here in the Concert Closet; with all the holiday chaos and mayhem starting to take up your time I appreciate the  inclusion.  This week the search for all things prog took me once again to Inside Out Music and the latest release from Nad Sylvan.  Back in 2017 I reviewed "The Bride Said No," the second part of a vampirate concept trilogy.  This past July, Nad completed the set with album #3, "The Regal Bastard."  Remembering the pleasure derived from his previous work, I am very eager to dive into his latest creation...

Timing a vampirate concept album review to coincide with the holidays is atypical for some perhaps, but it fits right in with my "don't follow the crowd" way doing things.  First song to pulse through the headphones is the title cut.  Not an ominous outpouring as you might expect; this is a much more eloquent piece.  The keyboards flow like billowing satin, wrapping themselves around strings that are as relaxing as they are intoxicating.  As Nad's vocals fill your mind, the guitars and percussion come from below and envelope the entire piece.  The tempo picks up as does your pulse...just ride it out... 

Now the mood is set--this is not a commonplace album dealing with the world of vampirates...not at all.  Going farther along the playlist I discover "Oahu."  Here is that dark, "walk through the haunted woods" song I was anticipating--but nothing on this album is as it seems.  Nad confounds your senses as he continually builds a tension that threatens to tear the veil between two worlds, only to calmly settle back into a solemn, restful serenity...

Liner Notes...Nad kept "the family" together for this album; just about everyone from "The Bride Said No" turns up on one or more tracks on "The Regal Bastard."  Steve Hackett, Tony Levin, Guthrie Govan, Nick D'Virgilio, Jonas Reingold, Nick Beggs, Sheona Urquhart, Jade Ell, and Tania Doko and more make this not only a crowded studio, but an A-List one as well.

For this album Nad not only played guitars, keyboards, percussion, and laid down the vocals--he also wrote, arranged, produced, and mixed the record.  Even the album art was his inspiration brought to life.  When you know what you want...

Nad Sylvan also has quite the resume; in addition to his solo work, he has performed with Unifaun, Agents of Mercy, Karmakanic, and Steve Hackett's Genesis Revisited. 

The final selection for review this week is "Honey I'm Home."  Quite the ornate piece; I'm reminded of Spock's Beard and (ironically enough) early Genesis. For an album whose concept is the world of vampirates--the final chapter in the trilogy--it is extremely upbeat.  Perhaps that's the point; the final song in this three album set brings you home, and isn't home supposed to be your sanctuary?  Hackett's guitar work on this cut is absolutely brilliant.  Wrap yourself in this instrumental send-off and feel the grime of the world wash away...    

To purchase this latest release and more go to NadSylvan or InsideOutMusic.  You can also follow Nad on Facebook and Twitter @SylvanOfficial.     

Your ear worm this week is  "I Am the Sea."  Fittingly, the song opens as if you're in the attic of an old Victorian mansion and the light of the full moon fills the room, accented by a flickering candle.  This is that eerie, obsessive song you want from a vampirate trilogy.  Nad is a master at making each song--even on a concept album--entirely unique unto itself.  Guthrie Govan is the guitar virtuoso on this cut, and he works with the drums to create an atmosphere that strikes you from all around.  Let this song creep into your head and melt your subconscious... 

           
                

Another seven days, another great prog garden discovery.  As a fan of the concept album, I was especially intrigued by this "concept trilogy."  Nad had a vision and carried it all the way through; the fact that it took four years to complete while he was involved with other projects just speaks to his desire and determination.

Much of prog music dives deep, getting into one's soul and finding the nerve that drives you.  Sometimes it's just a relaxing stroll through the inner workings of the mind; other times the music just explodes all over the inside of your head.  Regardless of the reason why you came to the prog garden, it is the pleasure and joy you find that keeps you coming back.  Nad Sylvan seems to get that; even when he goes deep he still seems to absolutely enjoy what he's doing.  When the artist exudes positive energy--even on a vampirate concept album--the music can't help but be good.

And now the part of the blog where I tell you the search for all things prog continues on...until next time...