THOUGHT CHAMBER – Psykerion (2013)

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THOUGHT CHAMBER is a new name to me, but after listening their second, just released CD “Psykerion” I am rushed to catch their debut as well, as this is terrific piece of work close to masterpiece.
The masterminds behind this awesome combo are guitarist, keyboard player & composer Michael Harris (a ’90s David T. Chastain skilled alumni), vocalist Ted Leonard (also in Enchant, Spock’s Beard and Affector), Bill Jenkins (also in Enchant) on keyboards, Jeff Plant on bass and Mike Haid on drums.

“Psykerion” is a concept album drawing together elements of melodic prog metal, classic prog and acoustic rock. The concept behind “Psykerion” as described by Michael Harris, the composer and chief lyricist is; “somewhere between sci-fi and a human drama, and musically somewhere between the furious and the tranquil”.
Musically, these great musicians deliver melodic, hook laden progressive metal with sizzling instrumental performances and catchy vocal harmonies. There are 16 tracks and most of them being on the shorter side, and the result as a whole is just stellar.

Opener “Inceptus” kicks off with solid drums, space flight level lead electric guitars, signpost bass and launching keyboards before the real rumble of drums, the grinding engines of the lead electrics and the soaring keys take off. Ignition and lift – off.
“Exodus” begins with a spacey zero gravity keyboard sound that will give you that effortlessly floating feeling immediately. But prepare for thundering drums, roaring guitars, soaring diamond keys, heavy bass and plenty of space atmospherics.
When you hear some great Geddy Lee level bass guitar you know you will have made it to “Psykerion: The Question”. Thought Chamber waits until this third track to unleash the dynamic vocals of Ted Leonard. His singing will take you back to Steve Walsh’s vocals from some of the classics of the band Kansas.

Then acoustic guitar welcomes us to “In the Words of Avakus”. Despite the beauty of the acoustic guitar and soft keys, everything is not so easy. There’s Rush and some Dream Theater urgency all over, but with a twist.
“Light Year Time” opens like a great Kansas/Yes match; full of those deep organ keys and deep bass you remember, and of course Leonard’s Walsh-like vocals. The highs he reaches will bring back so many magic moments of Kansas’ past. One of the best tracks, full of emotion and great vocals. The keyboard interlude in the middle of the song will take you back to classic Styx, but the heavy electric guitar will bring you back to the Thought Chamber.
“Kerakryps” is plenty of sci-fi synths, excellent cymbal work, deep punctuating bass and solid drums flow with the metal guitars and Fates Warning-like sounds filling the air. Michael Harris, the chief composer, whose father is a jazz musician, definitely displays his influence during “The Black Hole Lounge”, a little over a minute instrumental excursion.

But the power eventually transitions back to a heavier rocker on “Circuits of O.D.D.”, full of some dramatic keyboards reminiscent of Jordan Rudess and others as the bass and lead guitars build momentum.
“Behind the Eyes of Ikk” opens with flashy electronics and atmospheric effects that must be heard with headphones to appreciate their full effect, they will otherwise freak out the neighbours if played loud on good speakers. The Wakeman inspired keys will stun and amaze while the metal grinder guitars fill the air with power.
Ocean waves and soft pianos takes you to the “Isle of Bizen” accompanied by a Yes-esque acoustic guitar melody which helps lift spirits even higher. This time Leonard has you thinking Walsh singing a Yes classic. After all, this is a ‘thought chamber’ and why not drift a little.

“Xyrethius II” opens with those dark but grandiose eerie keys, before a soaring lead electric guitar solo rocks through the atmosphere. Next, “Recoil” opens with cool lead electric guitar and searing violin. The power drums, heavy bass return, with more excellent keyboards that will just lift your mind out of space.
“Breath of Life” is a wonderful mood altering soft guitar and deep melotronic/organ keyed track that will further relax the mind and body. Then Leonard explodes with some of his most powerful vocals on the album, and the synthesizers and keys that follow are great.

“Transcend” is the epic track at 9:39. And by epic I do mean they pull out all the stops. The opening key and lead guitar riff will stay with you long after the track ends. This is the best song on the album; it is full of everything that has been building up so far on the CD. Leonard’s vocals, the meaty bass, the powerful lead electric guitar and those pulsing drums. It’s all there and with no holds barred. They add acoustic guitar only pushing this track further over the top.
“Planet Qwinkle” starts with fine atmospherics and that powerful deep bass, before the dancing lead electric guitar takes off with drums in tow. Another dramatic and full of sonic power instrumental joined by keys and some acoustic guitar as well, akin Kansas.
“Inner Peace” ends Psykerion with remnants of Rush’s 2112’s Overture, mixed well with some Keith Emerson-like ELP extracts. Behold the splendour.

As I said at the beginning, “Psykerion” is close to masterpiece, blending progressive rock & modern prog-metal with classics like Kansas, Rush, Yes and Dream Theater. In this terrific piece of art you will find uptempo numbers, exquisite melodic quiet pieces and awesome short instrumental passages / interludes.
The sound, even on the slower moments, is tight and ‘rock pulsating’, so do not expect a steamy prog nebula here. “Psykerion” is Rock. Of the highest quality I’d say.

Leonard is really on a roll these days with Spock’s Beard and although I never liked Enchant too much, he is awesome here, without a doubt one of the best works of his career. Harris once again shows what a truly remarkable musician he is, delivering some stunning guitar work and meshing wonderfully with the blazing keyboard stylings of Jenkins. Let’s not forget the top notch rhythms from Plant & Haid, with the bassist laying down some nimble bass lines.
I advise headphones for “Psykerion”. After all it is a thought chamber, right? You will be better able to appreciate all the time and effort devoted to the album mastering by Tom Size (Aerosmith, Mr. Big). However, roaring down the freeway you will probably get just as much enjoyment.
A Mandatory Listening.

01 – Inceptus
02 – Exodus
03 – Psykerion: The Question
04 – In the Words of Avakus
05 – Light Year Time
06 – Kerakryps
07 – The Black Hole Lounge
08 – Circuits of O.D.D.
09 – Behind the Eyes of Ikk
10 – Isle of Bizen
11 – Xyrethius II
12 – Recoil
13 – Breath of Life
14 – Transcend
15 – Planet Qwinkle
16 – Inner Peace

Ted Leonard – Lead Vocals
Michael Harris – Guitars, Keyboards, Harmony Vocals
Jeff Plant – Bass
Bill Jenkins – Keyboards
Mike Haid – Drums
thanks to Mark Johnson

BUY IT !
www.insideoutmusicshop.com/Item/Thought_Chamber_-_Psykerion/1810
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