From Bandcamp, SYRINX deliver their sophomore LP, “Time out of Place,” a modern-day rock opera that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal and classic Progressive Rock. It’s a glistening ethereal sounds, heavy moods with unforgettable hooks…music with cerebral depth. Recorded fully on analog gear with no computer or A.I trickery. For fans of RUSH, GENESIS, QUEENSRYCHE, JUDAS PRIEST, and FATES WARNING. The album has nine songs, and “Mitosis (Second Light)” is first. It’s a short introduction, and the production sounds just a bit raw…maybe on purpose, but thick, meaty bass notes come through strong.

“1875” rolls in and I can hear some of the aforementioned names of the past…especially RUSH, but perhaps with more accessible melodies. Their technical skills are evident as well, and the song has some somber qualities to it. “The Master’s Host” has a raucous and energetic riff and the 80’s influences come rushing back to me once again. There is also a bit of an odd meter here, but the band handles the time shifts with ease, and JP’s vocals soar. “The Knowing” is more throwback sound, although this time, you can feel the darkness creeping in. Once it settles, it creates a thick fog in the air, and yearning elements for the listener. “A Waking Dream” conjures images of what that dream might be like to live out…it’s a sad dream, but nothing nefarious. I get images of a woman in a white gown wandering for eternity, searching for something that just isn’t there.

“Shades of Your Purpose” is just a bit choppy, and still quite somber. Some may even call is depressive, but I hear resolve in the band…vowing to make a different. I get some FATES WARNING here also. “Unraveller” is where some of the band’s uncommon tendencies might have caught up with them a bit, because some of the vocals don’t connect well with the key of the music. “It Left” is the final offering, and it’s a slow mover, with a depressing way to end the album. We can’t all have a happy ending I suppose. Overall, this was a solid listen. Sure, it has a throwback sound, but for those of us who live through those times, it was sentimental. The band is talented…they just need to sharpen things up a bit, and perhaps looking for a new producer.