Advent Horizon

In progressive rock and hard rock, there are two primary ways that bands separate themselves from the pack. The first is by incorporating very strange/dissonant passages and melodic changes that are extremely difficult, but have very little to do with the original theme of the song. The second is what Advent Horizon employ on their album Stagehound—integrating a multitude of styles played with an extremely high proficiency, while never deviating from the primary key or emotion of the song. By combining modern-sounding rock with a bit of the upbeat tunefulness found on some ’80s prog rock, as well as touching acoustic passages as the base of their music, elements of ’70s funk and R&B with a touch of swing, you’d think it would leave you with a musical mess. But no, instead you get musical brilliance that’s extremely enjoyable. –RGB Robb - Slug Magazine

Wow. Can these guys play...or what...??!! The origins of the band Advent Horizon began years ago when thirteen year old pals Rylee McDonald and Mike Lofgreen realized they both shared a mutual admiration for the band Rush. The band evolved from that point and is now writing and recording professional rock tunes that could be enjoyed and appreciated by millions. Advent Horizon is currently a quartet and also includes Cason Wood on bass and Levi Benjamin Shell on guitars and backing vocals. Immured bears some resemblance to the previously mentioned Rush (intelligent fast guitar riffs, driving bass lines, etc.)...but the vocals are way better (the harmonies are killer...). The complexity of these songs is impressive and strangely compelling. These guys have obviously done their homework...their songs are smart and memorable...and the playing is absolutely top notch from start to finish. Cool rockers include "Justified," "The Paradise," and "Prince of White." - Babysue

Back in June, the band Advent Horizon came through my regular gig. They’re in the “mind-blowingly good” category. There’s certainly a lot of excellent musicianship to be had, but there’s something else. Let me tell you about when the display of that “something else” peaked:

Rylee’s guitar was having some tuning issues with a particular string.

Having identified the problem, Rylee stomped on something other than his tuner. The button that got pressed first was actually the one that switched in his looper. Rylee proceeded to play a little something on the strings that were in tune, looped the phrase, kicked on his tuner (in “silent” mode), and then directed the rest of the band to play over the loop.

Which they did.

It was brilliant – so brilliant, in fact, that I was a little disappointed that the tuning fix didn’t take longer.

Obviously, there’s a “how to” here. If you have to tune midstream, using what’s in tune to build a quick coverup soundtrack for the audience is a great idea.

When Advent Horizon (or a band like them) is on deck, they truly “own” the stage.

That is to say, it is immediately apparent that they belong on that riser. They are fully in control of what’s going on, and are ready to manage pretty much any crisis that might occur. They have mastery over the show, and can decide to take it in any direction they wish.

The “looped tuning coverup” was an acute example of that reality. Their mastery of what was going on was so high that they could (seemingly without effort) take a musical detour to fix an issue…and not only keep their audience entertained, but use the problem as an occasion to show just how completely they were in command of what was going on.

No matter what happened, the entire band was eminently comfortable with what they were doing.

This kind of confidence is a huge part of what makes good playing into a great show. This kind of confidence can NOT be faked. - Daniel Maland (Schwilly Family Musicians)