AZURE: Fym (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

A daring fusion of progressive rock, metal and orchestral music, all rooted in a complex, immersive narrative, Azure are constantly pushing back the boundaries of their own innovative style, which they have been deploying for seven years now. For their third effort, the Englishmen offer a new concept album that is not only a testament to their technical mastery, but also a sonic exploration that seeks to defy listeners' expectations.

“Fym” proves to be a rich and complex story centered on the eponymous character, Fym Sallow, who embarks on a mystical quest to find the fragments of a dark force called Umbra. The album is inspired by literary and mythological sources, including such eclectic works as those by J.R.R. Tolkien and Yoshihiro Togashi (author of the famous manga “HunterXHunter”). The music accompanies this quest through a variety of soundscapes, from orchestral majesty to more intimate, introspective moments.

On vocals, Chris Sampson's voice oscillates between airy tones and more serious, even dramatic moments, and is central to the narrative of “Fym”. In a register close to that of Daniel Gildenlöw or Geddy Lee, his expressive, versatile performance develops an emotional flexibility worthy of the greatest. The vocal harmonies, often used to underline key moments in the story, are impeccably realized. However, the emphasis on complex vocal layers can, at times, overload the album's sonic texture.

Instrumentally, “Fym” stands out for its use of a variety of sounds and instruments that support the album's rich narrative tapestry. The guitars, often at the forefront of the mix, are used dynamically, alternating heavy riffs with lighter, more melodic passages. The guitar solos convey palpable emotion and flawless technique.

Comparable to other emblematic concept albums such as Dream Theater's “Scenes from a Memory” or - although less well known to the public - Native Construct's fabulous “Quiet World”, Azure offers us a rousing start to the album, as witnessed by “Weight of the Blade”, a perfect example of this duality between luminous moments and dark, introspective passages, with a slower, almost meditative middle section that transforms into a virtuoso explosion of energy at the end of the track.

However, where the major works maintain a constant, coherent narrative tension, “Fym” sometimes suffers from length and complexity. While interesting from a narrative point of view, the more contemplative tracks slow down the pace of the album, making for a less fluid listening experience. Indeed, this bold approach has its limits, and while the first few tracks manage to hold the listener's attention, “Fym” begins to lose cohesion in its second half. In this respect, the track 'The Lavender Fox', while fascinating for its unconventional musical choices, doesn't quite manage to offer the emotional break needed after the intensity of the opening tracks. The cumulative effect of more complex and dramatic pieces means that the listener may begin to feel a certain weariness, and not necessarily give the long 17-minute finale, 'Trench of Nalu', a chance.

“Fym” is undoubtedly an impressive demonstration of Azure's talents, both in terms of composition and storytelling. The album succeeds where many works fail, maintaining a certain coherence despite its stylistic diversity. However, the album's length (78 minutes...) and sometimes over-ambitious approach can erode the overall emotional impact. With “Fym”, Azure proves its ability to create fascinating sonic universes, but a more concise effort would undoubtedly have allowed this work to shine even brighter.
- Official website

AZURE

FYM

AUTRE LABEL

PROGRESSIVE ROCK