OvrFwrd
Beyond The Visible Light
Independent Release
2014
OvrFwrd is a new progressive rock band from Minneapolis formed in late 2012. The band consists of four seasonal musicians, drummer Rikki Davenport, Mark Ilaug on guitars, Kyle Lund on bass and keyboardist Chris Malmgren. “Beyond the Visible Light” is their debut instrumental album, recorded mainly live in just 5 days at Terrarium Studios.
In my opinion, all the tracks are heavily influenced by Iron Maiden’s progressive ideas mainly their “Killers” era. There is also a taste of early Ozzy Ozborne, Megadeth and Dream Theater but this is subjective. All these elements create a familiar and interesting result that runs very smoothly and that it is not boring at all.
In spite of the fact that the material is really good – albeit moving in a very well explored territory – I think that the addition of a good singer would have given the potential to reach a broader audience. It isn’t accidental that all of their influences are not purely instrumental bands and the reason is that they know how difficult and demanding it would be to make original instrumental albums.
On the other hand, just listen to the last track “Darkest Star”. There are times that the music is begging for some vocals. Can you imagine “Diary of a Madman” or “Prodigal Son” without vocals? The music and the ideas are very powerful on their own but the vocals always add more.
Having said all of that, I think that OvrFwrd is a very promising band. I enjoyed listening to all of the tracks, and I have to admit that many of their riffs and passages got stuck into my head. I have the desire to listen to this album again and again… a new story has just begun…
In my opinion, all the tracks are heavily influenced by Iron Maiden’s progressive ideas mainly their “Killers” era. There is also a taste of early Ozzy Ozborne, Megadeth and Dream Theater but this is subjective. All these elements create a familiar and interesting result that runs very smoothly and that it is not boring at all.
In spite of the fact that the material is really good – albeit moving in a very well explored territory – I think that the addition of a good singer would have given the potential to reach a broader audience. It isn’t accidental that all of their influences are not purely instrumental bands and the reason is that they know how difficult and demanding it would be to make original instrumental albums.
On the other hand, just listen to the last track “Darkest Star”. There are times that the music is begging for some vocals. Can you imagine “Diary of a Madman” or “Prodigal Son” without vocals? The music and the ideas are very powerful on their own but the vocals always add more.
Having said all of that, I think that OvrFwrd is a very promising band. I enjoyed listening to all of the tracks, and I have to admit that many of their riffs and passages got stuck into my head. I have the desire to listen to this album again and again… a new story has just begun…