Byrd – 'Flying Beyond the 9'                                      Released on Lion Music in 2001

THE BAND:
James Byrd – guitars, backing vocals
Brain Hutchison – keyboards, bass, drums, backing vocals
Michael James Flatters – lead and backing vocals


TRACK FRAGMENTS:
1.) “Flying Beyond the 9” – This track opens with a huge harmonizing vocal section. The harmonizing vocal sections through the intro and verse are very chilling.  The musical background of the track is based more on a progressive/classical keyboard style than guitar. The drum patterns are very syncopated in sound.  The song in whole is ever changing with several different musical arrangements. The guitar solo was short and very Alex Masi in sound.
2.) “Dark Heart”- This track opens with a very subtle keyboard arrangement along with a very laid back lead scale.  The song actually kicks in with a very abstract guitar rhythm.  The lead scales used for the intro are very classical sounding.  There is a very good mixture of a Dio style vocal arrangement with classical music on this song.  The solo was very short and could have been a little more intense. 
3.) “W.T.O (We Took Over)”-On this intro there is a very cool bass line underneath the lead scale.  The vocal style and arrangements on this track are huge.  There is a real small double bass pattern within the drum rhythm. I could have done without the small horn section right before the solo; it really did not fit well.
4.) “Nevermore” –This track opens with a church organ under a guitar lead scale.  The musical arrangement for the verses is very Alice Cooper sounding.  The track also has a very Edgar Allen Poe effect to the listener.
5.) “Everything to Me” –This track opens with a small bass line.  The double bass pattern really shows the drummers foot speed.  The backing vocals are very haunting.  For progressive style music this track does have several hooks.  
6.) “Unity (While You Where Sleeping)”-This semi-ballad intro has a very long guitar lead scale.  During the verse I was really turned off by the ‘Psycho” type horn section.
7.) “Paradise Tonight”-This track opens with a huge harmonizing section along with a cello musical piece.  The arrangement is a little abstract.  One thing I did notice that was real cool was how the song gradually speeds up as it moves along.
8.) “All of Me (An Allegory)”-This track opens with a keyboard intro.  The backing harmonies are set up great on this track.  But it’s very draggy sounding.
9.) “Avianti Suite Op.1 No.63”-Instrumental

      At times I was very lost listening  this CD.  It can be very abstract at times, but that is what progressive music is about.  If you’re into this style of music than this CD is right up your alley.  If you are into a more standard metal style of music than I wouldn’t waste my time.