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Nad Sylvan: The Regal Bastard
Nad Sylvan - The Regal Bastard Time Music Review

Nad Sylvan: The Regal Bastard

Melodic Progressive Rock
4.5/5.0

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Inside Out Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 26.06.2019 | Released: 05.07.2019

Versatile artist and composer Nad Sylvan (Agents Of Mercy, Steve Hackett) returns to finish his vampiric trilogy with The Regal Bastard. In this third installment, Sylvan reunites with many of the players from 2017's The Bride Said No including such musical compadres as Jonas Reindgold, Nick D'Virgilio, Guthrie Govan, and Steve Hackett. The album comes with seven songs of the trilogy and two bonus tracks.

Nad Sylvan - Click For Larger Image

Nad Sylvan

Additionally, The Regal Bastard continues the former albums more spry and energetic melodic progressive rock. But you might feel some other musical textures. For instance, while quite melodic rock, Whoa (Always Been Without You) has an easy rhythm and blues groove going on. After this, the same feeling continues within Meet Your Maker, where vocalist Tania Doko adds a soulful timbre to the vocal arrangement.

Other songs can be more subtle in melancholy, reminding me more of the first album in the trilogy Courting The Widow. Beginning so mild and lowly with Sylvan's voice and keys, I found myself reaching for the volume control of my Harmon Kardon to pay attention. But the song has larger up beat moments until Govan delivers a fresh guitar solo. Later, Leave Me On These Waters is totally dialed back, Sylvan once singing mildly over soft ambient melodic rock. But it comes with a sweet spot, some concluding soprano saxophone from Rob Townsend.

Yet, the signature piece of the album is the title cut. The Regal Bastard is the large and expansive melodic progressive rock you expect from Sylvan and his like minded cohorts. Highly orchestrated with violin, viola, cello, and string orchestration, the song moves with many musical textures. Notable is the drum and bass fusion breakdown in the center. Another part is the rising piano, synth, and guitar lines wrapped in symphonics about eight minutes in. The song could have only been made better by dropping in some more saxophone. The trilogy ends with Honey I'm Home, a wonderful melodic rock instrumental that features Steve Hackett delivering a fresh and engaging guitar solo.

Once more, The Regal Bastard finds Nad Sylvan delivering his stylish and entertaining melodic progressive rock as he wraps up his vampiric trilogy. What's next then? More than likely, more things equally interesting. Until then enjoy The Regal Bastard. Recommended.


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The Bottom Line

Once more, The Regal Bastard finds Nad Sylvan delivering his stylish and entertaining melodic progressive rock as he wraps up his vampiric trilogy. What's next then? More than likely, more things equally interesting. Until then enjoy The Regal Bastard. Recommended.

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