Awaken the Man (Original Release)

by

Din Within

Edit

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.

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.