This group has it all. Their songs remind me of bands such as Splinter, A.C.T, and another newcomer named Moon Safari who mix numerous elements together with sheer ease. Rather than piece their songs together in separate disparate passages that don't necessarily mesh (something many bands are guilty of doing these days in order to make an epic), Din Within is capable of blending everything together smoothly. I cannot recall the discovery of a band that excited me so much since the day I stumbled onto Spock's Beard's "The Doorway." Interestingly enough, that's the band that is closest to their sound. Do not fret; nothing has been stolen off the Xerox machine. Spock's Beard's intellectual property is safe and sound, because Din Within is groomed in a slightly different way. Rather than sport a full beard, they don bushy brown sideburns, a thick goatee, and closely-shaven hair. While their music embodies the same spirit as other bands, you'll find their cuts to be quite uncommon.

Here are some samples you can currently find on their web site:

"Hey You" - There is dichotomy between the parts that are uplifting and downbeat. It almost has the feel of a Billy Joel ballad. At the same time, its symphonic traits remind me of the shadowy sides of Kaipa, Karmakanic, and The Tangent. This shows off the compositional skills of Josh Sager (the mastermind behind Din Within [along with Mark Gollihur]). The song is also one of the many generous contributions made to The Tsunami Projekt. When I first heard this tune on that album, I was instantly enamored with the band. I found myself reeling with the urge to hear much more from this artist, which is what ultimately led me to his site (www.joshsager.com).

"Better Than Before" - This song is so amazing it's startling. The melody brings two great bands to mind. I think of Spock's Beard's Snow for the instrumentals and harmonies. Dream Theater's Scenes From A Memory seems to be somewhere under the surface for its compositional choices. The singing, the synths, the harmonies, and the bass are all excellent. It has all the best elements of a great prog rock epic. This should put all the other artists on notice. The acoustic guitar solo in the middle breaks us away from any risk of stagnation. From start to finish, it's neither too loud nor too mellow. The level is set right where I like it. There is also a lot of variety in all the various parts and passages. I didn't tire of this song for a single second and I was moved to such elation that it didn't take long before I returned to it again. With this kind of material, I am awfully curious what they have squirreled away for their official debut. Josh is already hinting that he has another epic up his sleeve that might even top this one.

"Song For Life" - A fitting title since it brings Kansas' "Song For America" to life. It also has the accessible, commercial and balladic elements that work so well in their other two samples. Toto and Asia are other bands that work themselves into the mix. Like Izz, we get blaring and bold guitar solos and co-ed harmonies. The guitar playing here emulates Al Morse and Paul Bremmer. Even though the song features female vocalists, the style of the singing emulates Neal Morse's Testimony.

Long before the actual release is ready, these samples have stirred me in my seat. While their friends and family have already given their seal of approval, Din Within is brand-spanking-new to the scene. Consequently, they have yet to recruit their first wave of followers. As for me, I can hardly wait to hear what they have in store for this new fan.

Links Josh Sager, Din Within, Splinter, A.C.T., Moon Safari, Kaipa, Karmakanic, The Tangent, Spock's Beard, Dream Theater, Kansas, Toto, Asia, Izz

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Published on: 2005-04-19 (2734 reads)