Syzygy ~ USA ~ Cleveland, Ohio

The Allegory of Light (2003)

When you name your band Syzygy, you are already making the declaration that you really don't care if anyone knows who you are, or if they can even remember your name. Almost impossible to spell on recall, I've got it on ctrl-v throughout this listen. Syzygy was born out of Witsend, a Cleveland, Ohio based band who released a charming demo-like album back in 1993 called Cosmos and Chaos (that I since sold). Ten years later, and a legal ruling demanding they change their name, Syzygy debuts with The Allegory of Light. 

Considerably more professional than their first effort, the album screams the region they are from. Hello Midwest! As I've documented endlessly, the mid to late 1970s saw hundreds of bands from the area coming out of the garage closet, and make a go at the major UK progressive rock bands we all knew over here via FM radio: Yes, Genesis, ELP, and Gentle Giant prominent among them. Kansas being the grand local champion of the era, it is only natural that a modern band would mix in all of the above. Then add in other influences that showed up in the 90s like Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Marillion, and the rest of them. In the 2000s, it seemed a determination by many a musician that they could out-prog the most proggy among them. 

What separates Syzygy from the pack is their fine use of counterpoint, as well as attention to the song. Melody does matter, as it turns out. These latter qualities are what made 70s prog so endearing, especially the American version. The more amateur, the better. Well these guys are pro, but the music is highly listenable, and one doesn't sense we are being condescended to as mere fans. And fortunately they left the metal component at the door. There were plenty of groups on that bus already.

Syzygy are a microgenre entity. If you like the Midwest prog sound as much as I do, then this album is going to resonate more to you than others who don't have this sound burned into their DNA (yet). Otherwise, it may come across as a bit too complex. 

Ownership: 2003 private (CD). Poster booklet with lyrics and recording details.

2009 (acquired); 9/1/25 (review)

Also own and need to review Realms of Eternity.

9/1/25 (new entry)