Circling From Above

Styx is STILL clearly the best dinosaur band left standing. Sure, there has been an infusion of new members in the last couple of decades but none of them are youngsters. I’d read and watched reviews before I heard it in full and I was expecting to be disappointed. Happily, I was not. While a bit keyboard heavy, there are still plenty of rockin’ guitar parts. Overall, it is just sooo well written and performed! Maybe slightly less proggy than its two predecessors, but it contains that signature Styx sound. The keyboards are entirely of a more 70s flavor. Pre Cornerstone comes to mind. No Babe or Kilroy sappiness here. It starts off really strong, but does bog down a bit with less memorable songs in the middle. Hence the 4 and not 5 stars. Most of the last few songs are really good. Producer Will has now become a member apparently, and his vocal on “We Lost the Wheel” is cringeworthy. Please fellas. Don’t let this dude sing. He’s definitely a great producer though. The last three albums sound magnificent. If you truly love Styx and aren’t bent on DDY, then you will enjoy this.

He has a much better voice this album is not that good tour with Dennis

The music is ok, the vocals not so much

Sounds like wooden nickel and it’s so well put together!! Everything sounds so good. The bass is very strong and all the vocals are amazing

I’m not one of those people who says it’s not Styx without Dennis. In fact, I think The Mission and Crash of the Crown were great albums that reset the bar high. This album doesn’t quite measure up to that standard. The best way to listen to this album is to skip ahead to track 12, We Lost the Wheel Again, a rocker with swagger, followed by the closing track, a classic rock ballad with a searing guitar riff. Then play the album’s first five tracks — all great stuff. I credit the band for striving to be creative, but unfortunately the remaining tracks are cabaret bordering on cheesy. Can’t blame a band for trying, and maybe it’s artistic brilliance, but it’s just not for me.

This is a great release from Styx One of their best recordings behind crash of the Crown and the mission. It’s amazing how they keep making new music and sounding great. This is just a great rocker just like what you expect from Styx it’s nice to see them moving on and sounding great! Here’s to a great band!

Embarrasing garbage.....

Great release not a bad song. Take it from someone who’s been a fan since Equinox. How many of your favorite groups from the seventies still putting out music. No it’s not the grand illusion or pieces of eight. But not that far off. Congratulations guys, love it.

Been a fan since Equinox in ‘75. I know bands change with time, however, the last 3 albums are concept albums. Isn’ t that what caused the breakup after Kilroy Was Here? The Mission was good, Crash of the Crown, pretty forgettable. Where are the rock songs?

Disappointing…it’s the end of Paradise.