February 11, 2009
OREM, UTAH - 139 minutes: a magic number requiring more than four years and a monumental effort. For the five members of the Utah-based progressive metal band, Hourglass, their upcoming release, “Oblivious to the Obvious”, has been an exercise in patience and persistence to complete. It was not until recording was completed that they themselves even realized that their efforts would nearly fill the two CDs of their new double album.
What started as a follow-up project to their 2004 critically-acclaimed release, “Subconscious”, has since transformed into an engrossing and extended selection of hard-hitting riffs and ambient progressive rock.
The band’s influences are arrayed across the length of the album for the attuned ear to recognize. For long-time Hourglass member, John Dunston, the band’s drummer, his passion for percussion began with Neil Peart, who he considers “a pioneer of progressive rock drumming.” But his inspirations include such varied names as Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Simon Phillips of Toto, Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree, and Nick Menza of Megadeth fame.
Jerry Stenquist, the band’s keyboardist on their new release, as well as on their 2002 offering, “The Journey Into”, has differing inspirations, something that surprisingly adds to the cohesion of the Utah rockers. “Although my keys have a lot of synth sounds denoting strong Yes and early rock influence,” he says, “I wouldn’t categorize a lot of my keyboard playing as progressive rock keyboards. I would say that I bring to the table a more common sound found in modern keyboards such as Keane or Coldplay.”
The acquisition of Eric Blood, a life-long aficionado of the bass guitar, lends even more variety to the album’s musical landscape. Listeners will be able to hear the influence of Victor Wooten in Blood’s playing.
For founding member and guitarist, Brick Williams, the different musical styles of each band member is one of the most interesting aspects of playing in Hourglass. He says, “That is what I find the most rewarding, the freedom to do whatever you feel like doing, and not having to worry about fitting into someone else’s agenda for music.”
Progressive and progressive metal fans, locally and extending worldwide, have long noticed Hourglass as a refreshing and original contribution to the genre. Ben Larsen, a fan in Salt Lake City, places Hourglass among favorite bands like Rush, Into Eternity, and Opeth. He offers this explanation, “While the nod to the old days is present, Hourglass writes with a razor-sharp, metal edge which has become even sharper with the dizzying vocals of Michael Turner. Hourglass is a dream come true for lovers of progressive rock.”
The band’s most recently acquired member, Michael Turner, lead vocalist, says his initial impression upon meeting with the band was that they were a highly talented group of musicians. He remembers thinking, “perhaps my search for the right band is over.”
Whether long-time fans or new fans are searching for something metal or something more ethereal, “Oblivious to the Obvious” offers an energizing and unique sonic journey, one that will transport the listener for two hours and 19 minutes.