Beyond Shadowland By Six By Six

Today's recommendation is another new band to me. You can find out about Six By Six here.

https://sixbysixband.com/

The drummer is the current drummer of Saxon, so I'm expecting something a little on the heavier side, but this is some very thoughtful, interesting prog which I would say stops short of prog metal. I've listened to the album once through, not really enough to get a sense of its themes lyrically but enough to understand its general style.

The arrangements are modern and interesting; the vocals are adventurous but assured. The songs are absolutely chock full of great tunes, and the lead guitar provides solid support. There was a time in the late seventies and early eighties when British heavy metal had some great, great tunes that broke through into the mainstream (I'm thinking "Since You Been Gone" by Rainbow hated by GCSE music teachers everywhere) and this reminds me of that time.

But Beyond Shadowland moves way beyond. Spectre, for example, begins with some heavy guitar and you think you know where you are until the verse comes in with its stuttering rhythm and guitar riff and you're somewhere else. There's a little bit too much shredding for my taste, but some people like that sort of thing, and if you do, this has got it in spades.

The last song, The Mission, has such a great hook. It jumped out of my little Bluetooth speaker and really made me smile. No words, but utter joy. You have to listen to this song.

It's definitely prog, in the best possible way - it's genuinely progressive. Unafraid to take on modern ideas, yet identifiably part of its metal heritage, this is a really good album that I will listen to again.

Reasons to listen:

  • You love a bit of prog with a metal edge
Reasons not to listen:
  • Put down that guitar, Ian!
Interesting fact of the day: Six By Six drummer Nigel Glockler played in Toyah's band in 1981. I don't know why. It's a mystery!

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