Polysyllabic Pre-Listening Reviews
Here are all the awesome reviews (translated in English) by the people that came at the “Polysyllabic” Pre-Listening Session at Matrix Recording Studio Athens.
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Voices from the Underground by Metal Invader
When I was asked to attend the pre-listening of the new Illusory album, entitled “Polysyllabic”, I didn’t know what to expect. I haven’t done such a thing in the past plus one can never know what kind of “soul deposition” a band will do, regarding new material presentation. The only certain thing was that it became a great honor and a wonderful experience for me. “Polysyllabic” was recorded at the “iCave”, Illusory’s own studio, whilst mixing and mastering took place at the Matrix Studios (a truly high level/quality studio; Nightstalker used that studio as well) by Yiannis Petroyiannis. Album artwork was created – one more time – by Panagiotis “Hammer” Sfyris and band photo credits go to Mr. Emanon. The album features 13 songs in total and many good friends of the band have also cooperated in order to receive the final outcome. George Eikosipentakis and Thimios Krikos from InnerWish, Dimitris Giannakopoulos from Sunlight, Minas Notaras, George Rallis, Athanasios Lazarou, George Papadakis (and his amazing laouto), Alexandros Roumeliotis and the album highlight, Voice Box choir. Pre-listening was eighty magical minutes; it’s a powerful and “crunchy” album, which – in my opinion – has nothing to be jealous of foreign bands works; an album which will completely satisfy the listener. “Polysyllabic” is named after the “Polysyllabic Thoughts” song (the continuation of Steven’s story) as well as after its own complexity. Its heavy-progressive style won’t let your mind get rest, not even for a minute; it will magnetize you! The album will be officially released on November 11 by 7hard. The band will host a release party at the Crow Club, to celebrate the new album along with friends and fans.
Vasilis Mitropoulos
Click here for the review
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Rocking.gr
On Sunday October 9, Illusory welcomed the first listeners of their new project. It would be extremely unprofessional to judge the work of people I am friends with, yet I can surely forward the things I saw and lived during the first listening of “Polysyllabic”. Inside a recording simulation climate, inside Matrix Studios, which is “responsible” for numerous amazing productions (in Greece and abroad), Ιllusory presented their new story. “The Ivory Tower” album couldn’t get the publicity it deserved, due to “external” factors, however the Greek power metallers got it all together and moved ahead or – should I say – moved onward. Lots of it. References of “Polysyllabic” clearly lead to seasons where American and European metal was balancing through Queensryche’s progressive aesthetic and Iron Maiden and Judas Priest strike-force. From the first moment the songs of that album reach their main goal. Telling a story which affect us all. Lyricwise, musicwise and in terms of fulfilling playing responsibilities. Album guests fill up a long list and the appearances of George Eikosipentakis from InnerWish and the Voice Box choir give us an important hint about what’s going to reach your ears, too. A new album pre-listening is one of the most wonderful experiences in discography. Especially when it’s combined with a fantastic hospitality and love for creating procedures. November 11, the date of official release and presentation of the album (at The Crow Club) looks a unique opportunity of throwing away any sorts of guilt of personal aspect, in terms of the undeniably common acceptance which “Polysyllabic” indulge.
Dimitris Barbas
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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Rockpages.gr
It’s a Sunday afternoon at the hospitable Matrix Studios and we are here to listen to the new Illusory album, “Polysyllabic”, in its entirety, almost a month prior to its release by German label 7hard. We’ve got cold beer, we scatter in two different rooms and the album producer, Yiannis Petroyiannis, is pressing the “Play” button… “Polysyllabic” ferociously enters with a catchy and prog song, catchier and more prog than we were used to, the song “A New Beginning”. In general, the album sound reminded me of 90’s metal and albums released by loved bands back then, the likes of Iron Maiden and Heloween. Orchestrations are also very interesting. “Dreamshade” remind us a bit of Queensryche in a more contemporary motif, featuring some Eastern elements. “Polysyllabic Thoughts” showed us a more modern style, whilst one can also spot big arenas moments, i.e. song “The Eyes Of Hades”. The album features the participation of Voice Box in some choral parts, members of InnerWish, George Rallis (Elisadeath) on the 12-string guitar and many more. It’s a complex album and it surely needs more and more listening sessions. Illusory seek grand choruses, compositions are very well crafted, orchestrations are deep and the roots of “Polysyllabic”, although they seem to be located in the 90’s, they incorporate lots of more modern elements. Whilst awaiting to receive the album fore more kilometers, the songs we noticed more during test-drive were: “Odd-Y-Sea”, “Insangel”, “Polysyllabic Thoughts”, “Solitary Nomad” and “The Eyes Of Hades”.
Yiannis Dolas
Click here for the review
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Metalzone Hellas
It’s Sunday, October 9 and we are invited at the Matrix studios, to listen to the new Illusory album. The album is entitled “Polysyllabic”, it’s their sophomore album and contains 13 songs. It’s moving in the same path as its predecessor, “The Ivory Tower”, released in 2013 and it’s doing a step on wards in all levels (composing, production, etc.). It’s basic characteristic; despite the fact it’s a long album, there are no filler tracks in there. It never gets monotonous as there are plenty of experimentation (even folk elements). Illusory maintain a low profile and would rather have their music do the talking; it’s a completely respected desire. Thus, you will read more over the album review, which won’t be long (release date: November 11). I’m just going to quote that this album is one of the best moments of Greek scene for 2016. Finally, one must pay attention to the fact that many guest musicians appear on this album. Thimios Krikos and George Eikosipentakis from InnerWish, Minas Notaras, Athanasios Lazarou, George Rallis, George Papadakis, Alexandros Roumeliotis, Dimitris Giannakopoulos and Voice Box over the choral parts. It’s a movement we see happening a lot over the most recent releases. It’s a movement showing the fantastic climate inside the Greek scene. The album will be at your disposal in less than a month!
Gerasimos Douros
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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X Rock & Metal
A few days ago I received a message by Dee Theodorou.
<<Dear Eleni,
As you have already been informed, our sophomore album, “Polysyllabic”, will be released…
…Wait a sec! My name is Eirini! Well… here it goes again…
– You know what, Dee, my name is not Eleni, it’s Eirini!
– Okay, Eirini, but I’ve been calling you Eleni since the first day I met you. So sorry!
– Send a new and corrected invitation, otherwise I’m not coming! (Yeah, right, like I wasn’t. Even if they called me “Navouhodonosor” I wouldn’t miss it for the world)! New message came before I even think about it…
Dear Eirini!
As you have already been informed, our sophomore album, “Polysyllabic”, will be released on November 11 by 7hard. Before we send you a promo copy to listen and write your review, it would be a pleasure and an honor for us to partake at the album’s pre-listening session on Sunday, October 9, at four in the afternoon, at the Matrix Studios, in Athens.
Our co-producer and sound engineer, Yianis Petroyiannis, will be with us as well.
We thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you.
Shine On, ILLUSORY>>
And so it was a Sunday afternoon when we reached the Matrix Studios to listen to their new album. I’m quoting “We” because a large number of people who promote the Metal scene attended. Their newest project, “Polysyllabic”, was recorded at their own studio, iCave, mixing and mastering took place at the Matrix Studios. It’s a perfectly equipped studio. The red artwork with the face and the scattered words was made by Panagiotis Sfyris. When listening to the album, one’s mind goes to the title track, “Polysyllabic Thoughts”, the continuation of the story of our beloved Steven. Emanon is the one responsible for the Illusory photos; he’s capturing all band moments with his lenses; it’s a fan’s point of view and a bit of “I’m ILLUSORY, too” aspect. We won’t reveal much; it’s a pleasure to explore the album by yourself. Thirteen songs are mentioned on the back-cover. It kicks off with “In The Beginning”, which every movie would want it for its soundtrack. Then follows “A New Beginning” and you start to get the hint about what’s going to come next… “Bleak” is powerful and strong… You look around you in the studio and see the rest of the people listening to it with you for the first time and tap their feet to the rhythm. You begin to sing along, reading the lyrics in front of you. “Dreamshade”… intro via cello by Athanasios Lazarou, then enters the choral group VoiceBox and 12-string guitar by George Rallis… It’s a dreamy song. “Odd-Y-Sea” is a song which will generate lots of questions. Just check out how the title is written. “Insangel” is dynamic, with a chorus which gets stuck with you. “Polysyllabic Thoughts” is the sequel of Steven’s story, featuring George Rallis on guitar again. “Last Fallen Angel”… it’s captivating. “Τhe Eyes Of Hades”; its music makes you say this song doesn’t need words. “Solitary Nomad”, a prayer, featuring George Rallis again. “Οne Sad Moment Of Existence”; Sad moment? Not by far! You feel lucky just by listening to such a song. “System Decay”; a song you can’t wait to listen to it live on stage. “Swan Song”; I check my notes. I’ve written “Lovable”. Laouto by George Papadakis, guitar solo by Thimios Krikos from InnerWish. Vocal parts by George Eikosipentakis from InnerWish, Dimitris Giannakopoulos from Sunlight and Minas Notaras. “Polysyllabic” is an album featuring a fantastic production and crystal clear sound. Powerful compositions perfectly performed; we all know the boys have worked hard all these years. Dee Theodorou is using his voice any way he pleases; he changes color, he is totally theatrical. Lyrics; Lyric-wise the album could easily be a poems bouquet. More to share on November 11; we’ll have the chance to listen to it again…
Eirini “Aldebaran” Dedepsidou
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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Rock Hard
The official listening session of the new ILLUSORY album, entitled “Polysyllabic”, which will be released on November 11 by 7hard Records, was held at the Matrix Studios on Sunday October 9. The boys welcomed us at Matrix and I must say I was thrilled by the journalists attending volume, which is clearly showing that there is a lot of press interesting in ILLUSORY’s discography return.
We sat at the grand couch inside the control room, in front of the big studio console, with our beers on the side and the listening session began. As you can understand, there will be a detailed presentation of “Polysyllabic” when the release date is near, when we have the album at hand and get to listen to it quite a few more times. What we can surely say after one listening is the following:
Α) ILLUSORY have worked a lot in the studio and the result is more mature and better than their debut (“The Ivory Tower”), which was released three years ago.
Β) “Polysyllabic”’s production is exceptional and all instruments sound crystal clear.
C) Compositions are totally crafted down to their last detail and there is a significant improvement on vocals (a sector of criticism in the past). Singer, Dee Theodorou, has worked a lot and one can see that via the very first listening session. Lots of congratulations are in order!
D) The ultimate highlight of “Polysyllabic”, for me personally, are the guitars; they sound so melodic and heavy, creating an explosive sound mixture.
Ε) The vivid touch by IRON MAIDEN (Up The Irons!) and the general prog/power atmosphere totally suits ILLUSORY.
There is going to be an official and more detailed presentation of “Polysyllabic”. For the time being, we just have to say that via such albums Greek bands prove the obvious. The right and methodic work will get you the desired result. And ILLUSORY made it!
Sakis Nikas
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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AfterNoiz
I was really thrilled to receive the invitation by LLUSORY for their new album prelistening session.
The metal music elements of the band got me since their debut and I was really eager to listen to their new stuff. ILLUSORY recorded over MATRIX STUDIOS their second album, called “POLYSYLLABIC”. Official release for the album is set for November 11 and a Release Party will be hosted at the CROW CLUB.
The band consists of: Dee Theodorou – Vocals // George Papantonis – Guitars // Greg Bakos – Guitars // George Konstantakelos – Keys & Guitars // Niki Danos – Bass // Costas Koulis – Drums.
“POLLYSYLABIC” is a full album musically, so there is not much we can say, since just one listening session is not enough. I have to say though that this one listening session has left me with the best impressions and I look forward to listening to it again, in order to write a more detailed review. Production is 100% amazing, the sound is awesome; I think that in case it was even a bit less than awesome, it would ruin these incredible compositions. Many guests appeared, such as G. Rallis on acoustic guitars, A. Lazarou on cello, VOICE BOX , T. Krikos (guitars) and G. Eikosipentakis (vocals) from INNERWISH, M. Notaras on vocals. G. Papadakis on laouto and G. Giannakopoulos from SUNLIGHT on vocals. Many thanks to the band and their sound engineer and co-producer Yiannis Petroyiannis for their hospitality. All prelistening moments were captured by Emanon Photography.
We will revert shortly with the review for “POLYSYLLABIC”.
Till then MAKE SOME NOIZ !!!!!
Giorgos Kotrozinis
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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Noizy
We accepted Illusory’s invitation for their new album prelistening.
“Polysyllabic” was recorded at the iCave, Illusory’s studio, whilst mixing and mastering took place at the Matrix studios, with Yiannis Petroyiannis as sound engineer and co-producer. Album artwork was created by Panagiotis “Hammer” Sfyris once more and the band photos were shot by the unique Emanon, who’s always present in all of band’s moments. He’s become part of Illusory; he’s a big fan of the boys. The album contains thirteen songs and features many guest musicians. George Eikosipentakis and Thimios Krikos from InnerWish, Dimitris Giannakopoulos from Sunlight, Minas Notaras, George Rallis, Athanasios Lazarou (laouto), the Voice Box choir and Alexandros Roumeliotis. The boys have done an exceptional job, they have evolved, they have experimented with sounds and ideas and they are handing us a true diamond. It’s a fellowship of people who love what they do; they get obsessed with music and they always try to get better and better. They never stop; they want to make steps ahead, giving their everything in terms of potential.
“Polysyllabic” has taken its name off the song “Polysyllabic Thoughts” (the continuation of Steven’s story), as well as its complexity. It’s multi-layered, it’s multidimensional, it’s multi-syllable.
The album will be released on November 11 via 7hard and Illusory will host a party at the Crow Club, to celebrate. We all gonna be there!
Mary Zarakoviti
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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Reckoning Hour
On October 9 I went to the Matrix Studios in Athens, invited by ILLUSORY, to witness the pre-listening session for their new album, “POLYSYLLABIC”. The album will contain 13 song and will be released on November 11.
Waiting for the rest of the press to show up and get the pre-listening started, the band members got acquainted with us, creating a rather pleasant atmosphere. As soon as the last ones entered the studio, we all got inside the session rooms, in order to start the procedure. The band did a brief intro about the album and then they pressed the “Play” button. After 78 minutes of listening we all gathered up for the “team” photos. What I can say about the new album is that the boys have worked really hard. There are many guests featured on the album; Athanasios Lazarou, George Rallis, Voice Box, Thimios Krikos (InnerWish), George Eikosipentakis (InnerWish), Dimitris Giannakopoulos (Sunlight), Minas Notaras, George Papadakis, Alexandros Roumeliotis. It’s highly unlikely to have a less than great result on “POLYSYLLABIC” with such a dream team. A satisfactory result with various themes lyricwise, perfect vocals and amazing music. I won’t say more… Stand by for reviewing and for the album to be released in order to buy it and listen to it yourselves.
A big thank you to the band members for being so simple and so warmhearted. We wish the best on their new album.
Giorgos Kun Zaraggas
Click here for the review (in Greek)
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Rock Overdose
The afternoon of October 9 found me over the Matrix Studios, invited by Illusory for the prelistening of their sophomore album, “Polysyllabic”, the very studio where the album was produced.
Regarding Illusory, the only thing that has changed over the past years is the coming of Greg Bakos on guitars. Thirteen songs and… what really stuck to my mind is that the title of the album would suit something Poly-Thematic. The boys, with the help of many other artists, took us with them on a 78 minutes voyage, from the Odyssey to the dystopian digital earth future. Through their classic Heavy sounds, to which they added a lot of Progressive, a lot of atmosphere, choirs, classic organs, laouto and their hearts and souls. Everything is better in comparison with their debut. Album production is showing high quality since minute one. Every song has something special to talk about. Lyrics are well crafted; sometimes they narrate a story, sometimes they express inner wonderings… The lyrics bind with the compositions and the performance. It’s too early for a full album review. However, there are a few riffs stuck in my mind. The album will be released on November 11 through 7Hard. Many thanks to Illusory and Matrix Studios for the invitation and their hospitality.
Lisanthir
Click here for the review (in Greek)
