So many prog bands seem to either choose to follow the path of older groups like
Yes and
Genesis or go with the trend of harder-edged prog along the lines of
Dream Theater. It is refreshing to find an outfit that combines the two elements into a sound that both pays homage to those genres and forges its own path.
Under the Sun is one such band, and their debut disc is truly one of the finest of the year 2000. Much of the album has the hard-edged, almost prog-metal elements that encompass the
Dream Theater side of the genre. However, many of the pieces, or at least sections of them, are firmly rooted in the older, less crunchy prog modes. This Canadian band (composed of Chris Shryack, Kurt Barabas, Matt Evidon, and Paul Shkut) touches on the sounds of such artists as
Yes,
Dream Theater,
Pink Floyd,
Rush,
Queensryche, and
Kansas. All of these leanings are blended into a mixture that is exciting and original. This combination really creates a very listenable approach that calls to mind those various groups while still following
Under the Sun's own unique musical path.