A progressive rock masterwork; extended-length songs with mesmerizing instrumental passages meld seamlessly with catchy hooks and big harmony vocals. Intelligent rock music with heart. — Din Within is a progressive rock pro... more »ject based in the USA. With diverse influences ranging from prog, rock, jazz, and classical, Din Within puts a fresh spin on the progressive rock genre, creating some of the most exciting contemporary music available today.
"AWAKEN THE MAN" is a stunning prog masterpiece that weaves together intense, dynamic songs exploring themes of personal struggle and growth. Each song flows effortlessly into the next, with recurring motifs and varied arrangements that engage the listener throughout the album's sixty minutes of music.
According to their fans, Din Within's music is "Intricate and complex without sacrificing melody and strong hooks;" the album features "incredible musicianship and technical ability." With lyrics that are "relevant and topical, yet unpretentious," set to "impeccable playing and unforgettable melodies and riffs," there's something for everyone on "AWAKEN THE MAN."
It's progressive rock music for people who don't think they like progressive rock - as well as those who know that they do.
The brainchild of longtime friends Mark Gollihur and Josh Sager, "AWAKEN THE MAN" is the result of over two years of tracking, mixing and mastering - all of which occurred during a time of great personal struggle for both Mark and Josh. And the overall theme of the album reflects those struggles, without being maudlin or overly dramatic. Songs like "Better than Before" deal with feelings of alienation and inadequacy with humor, while the "Hey You" songs reach out to a long-ago love - not to rekindle, but to express regret.
Musically, the album seamlessly blends textures and sounds from all corners of the prog-rock spectrum; a Floyd-ian downtempo section transforms into a rapid-fire guitar solo that is reminiscent of bands like Dream Theater or ACT. Huge Styx-like harmony vocals are laid over Hammond Organ beds, with a nod to bands like Spock's Beard and Kansas. Grinding, bouncy Yes-style bass lines underpin a synth wash reminiscent of old-school Genesis.
And yet, this is no copycat or tribute album - the band's sound, while drawing on the giants of the genre's past, brings a lot of new flavors to the table as well. So while some of the ingredients might be familiar, the recipe is definitely new.
The album was entirely composed by Sager and Gollihur, but they got some notable assistance: guest artists on "AWAKEN THE MAN" include guitarist Scott McGill (McGill/Manring/Stevens, Hand Farm, Finneus Gauge) and drummer Mike Ian (Randori, Big Bang), among others.
A progressive rock masterwork; extended-length songs with mesmerizing instrumental passages meld seamlessly with catchy hooks and big harmony vocals. Intelligent rock music with heart.
Din Within is a progressive rock project based in the USA. With diverse influences ranging from prog, rock, jazz, and classical, Din Within puts a fresh spin on the progressive rock genre, creating some of the most exciting contemporary music available today.
"AWAKEN THE MAN" is a stunning prog masterpiece that weaves together intense, dynamic songs exploring themes of personal struggle and growth. Each song flows effortlessly into the next, with recurring motifs and varied arrangements that engage the listener throughout the album's sixty minutes of music.
According to their fans, Din Within's music is "Intricate and complex without sacrificing melody and strong hooks;" the album features "incredible musicianship and technical ability." With lyrics that are "relevant and topical, yet unpretentious," set to "impeccable playing and unforgettable melodies and riffs," there's something for everyone on "AWAKEN THE MAN."
It's progressive rock music for people who don't think they like progressive rock - as well as those who know that they do.
The brainchild of longtime friends Mark Gollihur and Josh Sager, "AWAKEN THE MAN" is the result of over two years of tracking, mixing and mastering - all of which occurred during a time of great personal struggle for both Mark and Josh. And the overall theme of the album reflects those struggles, without being maudlin or overly dramatic. Songs like "Better than Before" deal with feelings of alienation and inadequacy with humor, while the "Hey You" songs reach out to a long-ago love - not to rekindle, but to express regret.
Musically, the album seamlessly blends textures and sounds from all corners of the prog-rock spectrum; a Floyd-ian downtempo section transforms into a rapid-fire guitar solo that is reminiscent of bands like Dream Theater or ACT. Huge Styx-like harmony vocals are laid over Hammond Organ beds, with a nod to bands like Spock's Beard and Kansas. Grinding, bouncy Yes-style bass lines underpin a synth wash reminiscent of old-school Genesis.
And yet, this is no copycat or tribute album - the band's sound, while drawing on the giants of the genre's past, brings a lot of new flavors to the table as well. So while some of the ingredients might be familiar, the recipe is definitely new.
The album was entirely composed by Sager and Gollihur, but they got some notable assistance: guest artists on "AWAKEN THE MAN" include guitarist Scott McGill (McGill/Manring/Stevens, Hand Farm, Finneus Gauge) and drummer Mike Ian (Randori, Big Bang), among others.
Open your ears, and Awaken the Man.
CD Reviews
Awaken The Man
Christian Berg | Holmestrand, Norway | 01/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"2007 produced many great progressive rock albums. The second Blackfield album, a new one from Porcupine Tree, yet another great one from Riverside, Symphony X, Redemption, Magic Pie, Gazpacho, The Flower Kings - you name it.
None of these even come close when compared to Din Within's debut album, Awaken The Man.
I first learned about the band in 2005, when I bought a cd called The Tsunami Projekt (TTP), which was a collaborative effort originating on the official Spock's Beard forum, set in motion to raise money for the victims of the horrific tsunami that hit Asia in 2004.
Din Within contributed a track to this double-disc feature, and thus I was introduced to them.
So how is it, that some 2 years later, you hear the name of a band who you've only heard one song from before - and that they're going to release their debut album - and all of a sudden you revel in joy?
For me, the answer would be that the one track I'd heard before, on the TTP cd, was so memorable that I couldn't wait to hear more from these guys - even if it took 2 years!
And believe me, it was worth the wait!
Every once in a while, there's that one cd who just knocks you right on your ass because it's so great - and this is one of those.
It's got everything - lyrical depth, the ability to make you happy on an otherwise crappy day just by listening, epic endings, vocal harmonies, and to quote the late Kevin Gilbert: "it's got more hooks than a tacklebox"!
Recommended for EVERYONE who loves prog a la Spock's Beard, Neal Morse, Kevin Gilbert, Kansas, Genesis - or in short: for everyone who appreciate great MUSIC."
Prog Rock Masterpiece
M. Gollihur | New Joisey | 12/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
""AWAKEN THE MAN" is a stunning prog masterpiece that weaves together intense, dynamic songs exploring themes of personal struggle and growth. Each song flows effortlessly into the next, with recurring motifs and varied arrangements that engage the listener throughout the album's sixty minutes of music.
According to their fans, Din Within's music is "Intricate and complex without sacrificing melody and strong hooks;" the album features "incredible musicianship and technical ability." With lyrics that are "relavent and topical, yet unpretentious," set to "impeccable playing and unforgettable melodies and riffs," there's something for everyone on "AWAKEN THE MAN."
I think that's a fair assessment! It's progressive rock music for people who don't think they like progressive rock - as well as those who know that they do.
Give the music a listen, and be sure to visit the band's extensive website for photos, bios, and even a studio blog written during the album's creation.
"
One of 2007's Best Albums
Michael Citro | Orlando, Florida United States | 01/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The true measure of any album is, of course, how often does it spin in your CD player? With "Awaken the Man," the debut album from Din Within, the answer is: VERY often. This is one of my Top 10 albums of 2007 and it was rare that more than a few days went by without this CD finding its way back into my CD player. The music is complex yet accessible and the songwriting is definitely strong. Great melodies, nice vocal arrangements and fantastic musicianship. The guitar work alone will unhinge your jaw.
Stylistically, the band seems to borrow from Spock's Beard, Rush, Kansas and other progressive bands, but their recipe produces an entirely unique flavor. Just check out the samples and see for yourselves that this is a band with a bright future. Highly recommended!"
Found in my gold box, nice surprise
K. Orrson | Columbia, MD United States | 04/11/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I would never have heard of this CD even though I try to keep up with all the new Prog Releases. And never saw it mentioned in the Prog Web sites like dprg.com ghostland.com although now that search I see they are there!
So how did this escape the attention it deserves?
Very reasonably priced amazon had it at under $eleven
Other Amazon reviews compare them to other prog heavyweights.
I can't say Din Within sounds LIKE any other group.
They are an amalgam of many, taking the best of each.
Only the mellow side with vocal harmony.
I don't notice overblown chops, just 2 guys Josh Sager and Mark Gollihur rocking softly with happy uplifting lyrics.
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1