Fire Garden

Hello again fellow progheads! Been spending a lot of time stateside recently in my search for all things prog.
If you have been traveling with the concert closet since its inception, you know there have been several twists, turns, and changes along the way. Last week I tilled new soil in the prog garden yet again, completing my first album review. This week I continue on that course...and have been immersed for seven days in the newest release from Fire Garden, "Sound of Majestic Colors."

Fire Garden hails from Chicago, billing themselves as "...a modern progressive metal band with classic sounds...soulful melodies, skull crushing riffs..." And just like the reigning World Series of Poker Champion, I am all in. Having reviewed Fire Garden earlier in my prog blogging career, I am extremely anxious to fill the concert closet with their latest skull crushing riffs...

Dashing eagerly to the buffet this week, I start at the beginning with "The Joker." Fire Garden runs right up to the glass door between your mind and your brain--and proceeds to crash right through. The intro is dark and eerie and I suddenly realize why there are no clowns in my house. The guitars pound their way through and hit you from all sides until the drums drive a spike into the back of your head. Fire Garden seems to be releasing a lot of pent up energy in this first cut; I can feel the emotion coming through the headphones.
Imagine Dream Theater and Atomic Rooster sharing a stage and you start to get the feel for what type of vibe Fire Garden is putting out on this song...skull crushing riffs--check.

My second choice from the menu is a tune called "Redemption." Sounding as if they are under water, Fire Garden comes out of the gate slow, cautious, and methodical--for about 30 seconds. The vocals on this cut are deep and strong as the music expands into a four-act play; time and tempo changes come quick and sudden and I feel as if I might be flung from an out-of-control carousel. The sound is extremely tight; these guys feed off each other as though they are telepathic. Everything works as the song goes from ballad to metal frenzy to hard hitting rock 'n' roll and back again...Fire Garden channels some early Be Bop Deluxe on this cut...soulful melodies--check.

Liner Notes...Fire Garden leaps off the map from the Chicago area and is led by their founder Zeeshan (Zee) Baig on guitars, music, and lyrics. Fire Garden rounds out the quintet with Kevin Pollack on vocals and lyrics, Frank Lucas on keyboards, Barry Kleiber on bass, and Chuck White on drums. Those of you with long memories will remember in my original review of Fire Garden Chase Carter was singing vocals...with no disrespect to Chase, Kevin has taken the vocals on this album to a new level. His voice carries with confidence up, over, and around all the guitars, drums, and keyboards the rest of the band relentlessly hurls at him.

"Sound of Majestic Colors" is Fire Garden's second release, on the heels of their 2012 debut EP "The Prelude." Extra credit for the mixing on Majestic Colors--this sounds more like a release from a band with ten years under their collective belts rather than their first full length album. Fire Garden has definite hints of Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree...but there are subtle aromas of Transatlantic, Opeth and Spock's Beard mixed in as well. While Fire Garden enjoys challenging the listener's pallet and pushing the boundaries of prog, the life blood of the band is progressive metal--which can never be a bad thing.

Serving number three is a gem called "Echoes in Silence." Fire Garden made the conscious decision to convert everyone to a prog listener with this cut...and used heavy artillery from the get-go. The song opens hard, loud, and fast with Zee, Frank, Barry,and Chuck continuously raising the energy level as if they were reliving a Clash concert. Kevin joins the fray at just the right moment, toning it down a notch but never distinguishing the flames. The band shows amazing range on this tune as well...running through more time and tempo changes while staying true to their distinctive sound. Echoes ends in such sad simplicity as to make you feel the need to go back--in time if necessary--to stop the bleeding. Classic sounds--check.


Another first for the concert closet; no video clip--above is a photo of the band. Fire Garden is officially releasing this album next week and I do not have a clip to post...so do yourself, your friends, family, neighbors, and casual acquaintances a favor and pre-order the CD now and proceed to play it loud and often! Go to http://firegardenmusic.com/ to learn more about the band and order the CD, a digital download, and other cool stuff. "Sound of Majestic Colors" is also available through iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sound-of-majestic-colors/id878272569

Well fellow progheads, not only another week--but another month has fallen off the the calendar as June muscled her way into 2014. So far I like the tangent this journey has taken and I truly hope you do as well. Progressive music is indeed alive and well, and a sure sign of its strength and sustainability is a band as intense and talent-laden as Fire Garden releasing new albums. Fire Garden has cultivated their own acreage in the prog garden and continue to feed it with innovation and style..needless to say, keeping one foot on the throttle never hurts either. The sound of Fire Garden's "Sound of Majestic Colors" is bold, vibrant, exciting, and animated. The search for all things prog continues as we step back into the concert closet ...until next week... - Closet Concert Arena

Chicago based prog-rockers Fire Garden have released their debut full length album, "Sound Of Majestic Colors." This follows their EP "The Prelude" which the band gave away for free on their website http://firegardenmusic.com/. Just prior to recording the album, the band changed singers from Chase Carter to Kevin Pollack. In most cases, a switch like that would be risky but in this case, the band have the right man for the job. Fire Garden's music walks the line between progressive rock and progressive metal, sliding from side to side as needed and Kevin's voice fits the style perfectly. He is similar to Steven Wilson without being a clone. I can't go on without mentioning the mastermind behind the band, Zeeshan Baig or as he is better known to everyone, Zee. Zee is the guitarist, producer, songwriter and writes the lyrics with his vocalist (now Kevin). Zee believes in writing actual songs rather than just bars of music that he and keyboardist Frank Lucas can solo over. This is not to say these guys don't solo but it always suits the song first. And yes Zee can PLAY. But what about the songs? The album is a balance of mini-epics like "Behind The Face", "Redemption" and "The Last Step" to shorter, catchy songs like the lead single/video "Alone" and "Endless Memories". A good song is a good song, regardless of length and Zee knows that. The arrangements are tight and allow the band to stretch out when it warrants. All in all, the debut from Fire Garden more than delivers on the promise shown on the EP. Sound Of Majestic Colors was an album that I was definitely looking forward to hearing. I consider Zee a friend but if the album wasn't any good, he knows I would be honest with him. Luckily we don't have to worry about that. Fire Garden shows the world who they are and does it with confidence and style. Highly recommended!

To purchase "Sound Of Majestic Colors", click below: http://www.firegardenmusic.com/shop
or on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sound-of-majestic-colors/id878272569 - Progressive Music Blog

This next band is another one that I've found since I started my Twitter account. When I first started my account, I was scrolling through my list of followers and noticed how many bands were following my page. I felt impelled to go through them and start sampling each band, a ritual I still do. I came across the band Fire Garden, and was immediately drawn to their music.

Fire Garden is a five-piece band from Chicago, consisting of Kevin Pollack on vocals, Zee on guitar, Frank Lucas on the keyboard, Chuck White on drums, and Barry Kleiber on bass. When listening to their recent album, you can hear the many bands that have influenced them throughout this album, which is one of the main reasons I love listening to them. On their Bandcamp page, production notes are given, where key sound figures in rock music are noted in working on this album. From bands like Dream Theater, to Rush, to Porcupine Tree, the influences are heard in their most recent album "Sound of Majestic Colors."

The opening song "The Joker" immediately draws the listener in, with a narration of what seems to be one twisted joker speaking to the audience. Once the joker ceases speaking, you are punched in the ears with deep heavy guitar riffs, reminiscent of songs like "As I Am" and "The Enemy Inside" by Dream Theater. This track is loud and heavy, a great way to open any progressive metal album.

Despite the heaviness of the opening track, the entire album isn't necessarily the same intensity. In fact, some of my favorite songs off this album are the "slower" songs on the album, being "Alone" and "Far from Grace." The lead guitar towards the end of "Alone" is reminiscent of Porcupine Tree, being one of my personal favorite bands. The clean rhythm guitar in "Far From Grace" is a great change of pace, and is beautiful when backing the lead guitar and vocals. The end of this song is absolutely beautiful, when Kevin Pollack sings his heart out. The keyboards in other songs are also fun to separate from the rest of the band, as Frank Lucas reminds me of my favorite keyboarder Jordan Rudess. In the songs "The Last Step" and "Time Machine" I feel they are particularly written around the keys, as Lucas steals the show with his solos and other effects. Chuck White and Barry Kleiber are a perfect complement to the band as a whole, as they help drive each song to another level with their groovy bass lines and passionate drumming.

My favorite thing about this album is the musicianship and quality that is evident in each song. Just by listening, you can easily tell the amount of detail and effort that was put into this album. This is not an album that was slapped together by a band in a bind. The use of different guitars, the multitude of sound effects, the frequent time signature changes, and the well thought out solos make this album stand out among the others. The production behind this album is fantastic, thanks to band member Zee.

I highly recommend this album to those who love any form of progressive music. The influences of key bands in the progressive rock and metal industry are clear in this album, but Fire Garden is not afraid to differentiate from them. Their sound is a tip of the cap to those in the past and present, but is also a fearless step forward into uncharted waters. Please support "Sound of Majestic Colors" by Fire Garden.

Keno Approved. - Keno's Album Reviewer

Note: Their website is down at the moment. I am copying the excerpts from the review

About the author:

A good salesman from the North of England with too much time on my hands, I have listened to and obsessed about all genres of rock music since I could walk straight! However, my first love is prog rock and all it’s different sub genres and, thanks to The Lady herself, joining the select band of brothers and sisters as an LO author gives me an outlet for my obsession. Mad, wacky but kind and loving with it, my glass is forever half full and my reviews should mirror this! My other obsessions are any form of sport and computer games, oh and I do like the odd drink too!

Excerpts:

The artist that has elicited this introduction is Chicago based Fire Garden. I was seriously impressed by their 2012 debut E.P. The Prelude so, when I was asked if I would like to review their first full length release Sound of Majestic Colors it was really a complete no brainer.

The album opens with an archetypal progressive metal number The Joker. The usual mysterious introduction complete with voice over and prophetic , clashing notes gives way to a Dream Theateresque punching riff that hits you right in the vitals along with the powerful bass and drums. The guitar riff then lifts up and runs, fast paced and urgent before the vocals join the throng. It does have a sense of progressive metal by numbers but the execution is done so well that that never interferes with your enjoyment of the track.

Behind the Fence is a well worked song that hits all the right notes with me. Another low key intro is blown away by a monumental riff that will blow more than just the cobwebs out of your hair and the instrumentalists are given something of a free reign for a short time. The vocal is precise and robust and you feel the guys are really growing into this album now, mixing timing changes and tempos to provide an intriguing listening experience.

Quotes:

I am not ashamed to admit I found myself singing along like a demented lunatic



A dark Stephen King novel turned into music



The compassionately sung chorus is smoother than chocolate.



This is a release I expected great things from and it has delivered so well I am speechless. - Lady Obscure Music Magazine

With no intention of being jingoistic, I’m very happy to see a nice resurgence of progressive rock in America. The English and the Scandinavians currently provide the touchstone, but I would hate to see the Americans not compete at all!

Of course, when it comes to North America, we’ve had some great prog bands and individuals in for the long haul: Rush, Glass Hammer, IZZ, Dream Theater, John Galgano, Kevin McCormick, 3RDegree, Neal Morse, Spock’s Beard, and a few others. Recently, we’ve seen the rise of Hour of the Shipwreck and Astra as well.

Now, we have Fire Garden, a new progressive rock/metal band from America’s third largest city, Chicago.

The brainchild of professional photographer Zee Baig, Fire Garden will release its first full-length album, Sound of Majestic Colors, tomorrow. This closely follows the band’s first EP, The Prelude, which came out at the beginning of the year. Three songs overlap: “Time Machine,” “Far from Grace,” and “Forsaken,” though the former two appear in slightly different versions on the EP and the LP. Certainly, each of these releases from Fire Garden is well worth owning.

When I first heard the Sound of Majestic Colors, I wrote my thoughts down quickly:

Confident, melodic, intense, moving, driven. Fire Garden is the present and the future of progressive metal. Sound of Majestic Colors is a triumph in every way.

Additional listens have only added to my wonder and astonishment regarding this album.

First, let me discuss the superficials, that is, the appearances of things. Visually, Sound of Majestic Colors is an incredible package. The CD case (very important to me) provides a fascinating mix and incorporation of black and white photography, psychedelia, Macintosh imagery (a play on the spinning beach ball of doom—at the center of the cover photo), and weapons of mass destruction.

If I had to compare it to anything, I would compare it to the best packaging Dream Theater ever produced—that for Train of Thought LP. But, frankly, Train of Thought’s artwork tried to be a little too psychedelic., little too Floydish. The eyeball on the cover has failed to age well, and it now appears far less creepy than it does derivative. Fire Garden avoids the clichés, creating its own vision for the album. Far from contrived, its psychedelia comes from the heart and the soul.

My copy of Sound of Majestic Colors arrived with business cards, bumper stickers, circle window stickers, a full-size poster, and bookmarks (see photo below). All of this is done with absolute class, and I welcome such things greatly. Indeed, I will be keeping these things in a very safe place accompanying similar items I’ve collected and received from Rush, North Atlantic Oscillation, Porcupine Tree, etc.

Second, instrumentation, performance, and ability of the musicians. My first reaction to my even asking this is simply: “Holy Schnikees! Are you kidding me?”

Though these guys are young, they sound so very, very good. I am not a huge fan of Dream Theater, as I feel they really have little soul and more or less write music to chase notes, all of it trapped in a graceless cycle. I have always, however, respected the talents and abilities of the individual musicians in Dream Theater. Imagine that same ability, but augmented by and with real story telling strengths and melodic overrtones and undertones. Combine Dream Theater’s skills with some serious artistic class, and you have Fire Garden. Kevin Pollack—vocals. Perfect. Zee Baig—guitars. Sheesh. Beyond perfect. Frank Lucas—keyboards. Perfect. Barry Keliber—Bass. Perfect. Chuck White—Drums. Holy Moses. More than perfect.

Production and mastering—perfect. The depth to this recording is astounding. Everything is clear, everything is deep, and everything is layered. Again, imagine Dream Theater’s production, but even more top notch.

Third, lyrics. I’m a huge fan of good lyrics, and I consider them essential to the success of any album. Lyrically, this album is as layered and dark as its production. Lots of angst, guilt, and questioning in the lyrics. In the end, though, the lyrics exist for a real and meaningful purpose, a poetic one. Song titles such as “Alone,” “Endless Memories,” “Redemption,” “Forsaken,” and “Far from Grace” reveal everything about the seriousness and intent of the album. That Baig offers his greatest thanks in the booklet to Almighty Allah says about everything that needs to be said. Baig is a serious man, and he takes his art as seriously as he takes his faith. If you’ll permit some Aramaic—Amen, Zee.

If you’re looking for something well done, something taken seriously, and something that—in terms of style—varies from heavy to metal to prog to AOR to arena and back to prog metal, look no further.

Fire Garden is not just the present and future of American prog metal, the band is the present and future of all prog metal. - Brad Birzer

During the month of May, some of us Progarchists switched into “Rush Appreciation Mode” as we paid tribute to the group that, for some of us, forever altered our view of what music could be on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut release. This very site is a reflection of our appreciation for a genre of music that, for so many of us, started with our first exposure to Rush. For so many, they were springboard into the world of progressive rock.

Of course, there’s another generation of progressive rock fans from the 1990′s who cut their teeth on prog through Dream Theater, while for some of us older folks, Dream Theater was the group that picked up the torch for progressive rock starting in the 1990′s, when iconic bands such as Rush and Yes had either changed their songwriting approach and/or gradually declined in popularity. Still other prog fans recently found their love of the genre through Tool’s and/or Steven Wilson’s works.

In the spirit of the more recent iconic, progressive hard rock groups such as Dream Theater, Chicago-based Fire Garden has released their first full-length album, “Sound Of Majestic Colors,” which follows their December 2012 EP release, “Prelude.” As is the case with most prog, repeated listens will reveal layers within the music, but the album is also accessible from the get-go.

Prog fans will have little trouble picking out styles and sounds similar to Dream Theater, but anyone who dismisses the group simply as a knockoff of DT does so at their own peril, for Fire Garden is very much their own band.

That said, the album opens with perhaps the group’s biggest nod to its Dream Theater influence in “The Joker.” Guitarist/songwriter Zee Baig channels John Petrucci’s guitar sound from “Train Of Thought,” there are echoes of the Derek Sherinian era DT with some nice organ work, some percussive keyboard patches that take from Jordan Rudess’ work in later years and even some fast kick drum work that might recall Mike Portnoy’s heavier playing prior to his departure from DT. A vocal-heavy middle section breaks up the influences noted above, showcasing the group’s range.

Despite liking “The Joker” quite a bit over repeated spins, I was a bit fearful that I might be subjected to an album not unlike “Train Of Thought,” which is one of my least favorite DT albums, but oh, how Fire Garden quickly proved me wrong.

It’s rare that I’ll hear a succession of tracks for the first time and think, “This one’s my favorite!,” then say to the next, “No – THIS one’s my favorite,” but that’s exactly what unfolded during the first four tracks on “Sound Of Majestic Colors” as “The Joker” gave way to the soulful “Alone,” abandoning the bombast of the opening track for a slower, more atmospheric vibe. We then get a touch of “Images And Words”-era Dream Theater with the big-sounding “Time Machine,” but Fire Garden then shows us an altogether different side with “Endless Memories,” with bassist Barry Kleiber weaving melodic bass lines over acoustic/electric guitars, setting the tone for what is easily the most accessible track on the album. The track features a lovely, soaring chorus that’ll no doubt have audiences singing along.

This changing up and blending of styles that Fire Garden seem so comfortable writing continues throughout the album with a trifecta of big rtracks in “Redemption,” “Behind The Face”, and “Echoes Of Silence,” then broken up by the lovely, harmony-laden “Far From Grace,” and finally, the cinematic album ender, “The Last Step.” If rock radio was still open to progressive hard rock they way it was 20 years ago, tracks from “Sound Of Majestic Colors” would find a place in station’s rotation, to be sure.

It’s worth mentioning that throughout “Sound Of Majestic Colors,” singer Kevin Pollack does a fine job using his range – a bit lower but a welcome change from the wails of many prog/metal vocalists – bringing the proper measure of energy, emotion and, well, gravitas to each song.

The lyrics on the album tend to explore dark themes – battling demons both internal and external, sometimes literal – in “Alone,” “The Joker,” “Echoes In Silence” and “Redemption,” greed in “Time Machine,” love lost in “Endless Memories,” and finally, reaching for redemption/rejuvenation in “The Last Step.”

Half of the 10 tracks on “Majestic Colors” clock in between eight and nine minutes, giving the band plenty of space for stylistic exploration without falling into the noodling/padding trap that’s so often a cliche of prog. They also avoid cramming as many time signatures into each tune as possible just for the sake of it, making the album quite accessible to those ears tripped up a bit by odd-meter shifts.

Fire Garden also gets it right with the album packaging and liner notes, very much reminiscent of Hugh Syme’s best work with Rush and Dream Theater, as each lyric is mated its own piece of artwork, beautifully complementing our listening experience in way that liner notes from the aforementioned bands do.

Knowing that the prog community is a tight-knit one, I would highly advise any reader with influence over any prog festival or cruise – as is the case these days – to quickly snap up Fire Garden as they’d be a worthy addition and sure-fire fan favorite. Better still, how’s about groups like Rush and Dream Theater consider the next generation of prog by dropping the well-worn “Evening with…” format and getting these guys out on tour to build as big a following as possible?

“Sound Of Majestic Colors” is more than enough evidence that Fire Garden has an extensive palette of talent and styles to “paint” with, making this release a more than worthy addition to prog fans’ libraries. Dream Theater’s ridiculously, prodigiously-talented lineup may still have a tight hold on prog’s hard rock torch, but Fire Garden stands as a potential successor with “Sound Of Majestic Colors.” - Progarchy