The Cyberiam: The Cyberiam (MelodicRock)

You don’t typically turn to the MelodicRock label for modern progressive metal, but they’ve sure discovered a real gem in The Cyberiam. Formed by keyboard prodigy Frank Lucas and vocalist/guitarist/hey it’s that guy from The Voice Kieth Semple (who some of you may remember from 7th Heaven), The Cyberiam has an interesting, and surprisingly accessible take on the progressive rock and metal sounds.

If you’ve followed Keith Semple’s career, you know he’s a pretty versatile singer. Apparently he’s quite the guitarist as well. The Cyberiam is more keyboard-driven, but there’s some pretty impressive guitar technicality going on as well. Reference points for this one range from classic progressive rock like Yes and Pink Floyd to more recent prog bands like Symphony X, Porcupine Tree and Coheed & Cambria. The songs range from 5-9 minutes and go from trippy and experimental to heavy and metallic, but there’s usually a strong melodic aspect that keeps them from going too far in either direction.

The Cyberiam definitely isn’t “prog by numbers,” as it challenges expectations and breaks genre lines. It’s a really enjoyable, really interesting album though. The songwriting and compositions are unique, and the vocals fit this kind of music surprisingly well. If you’re a fan of any kind of progressive music (just shy of death metal – no growling here), this is worth taking a chance on.