Release Date: May 9, 2025
Label: The Laser’s Edge
Genre: Progressive Rock
Line Up:
James Byron Schoen – Guitars, Vocals, Portuguese Guitarra, Six String Banjo, Keyboards
TD “BenBen” Towers – Bass Guitars, Vocals
Barry Seroff – Flute, Bass & Alto Flutes
Nick DiGregorio – Drums, Percussion
Guest Musicians:
Chris Baum – Violin (tracks 8 & 9)
Shelby Logan Warne – Mellotron (track 9), Keyboards, Sequencing (track 4)
Stefan Paolini – Piano (track 5)
Robby Schwartz – Additional Backing Vocals (track 9)
John Wigler, Emily Fox, Alana Rosen – Additional Vocals & Sounds (track 4)
Tracklist:
Of Ascents (1:36)
The Illusion Of Permanence (6:10)
These Old Wounds (6:36)
Black Crow (4:51)
Hall Of Statues (5:27)
Book Of Complaints (3:27)
Of Ascents (Reprise) (2:02)
Wykkr Bäsct (5:06)
Our Road To Dust (7:56)
Our Road To Dust marks the triumphant return of American progressive rock quartet EDENSONG after an almost decade-long hiatus since their acclaimed 2016 release Years In The Garden Of Years. This third full-length effort proves definitively that the wait was worthwhile, delivering a masterfully crafted progressive rock experience that seamlessly blends melodic American sensibilities with complex instrumental virtuosity.
The album presents a sound that brilliantly synthesizes the technical prowess of DREAM THEATER with the melodic sophistication of RUSH and KANSAS, all filtered through a modern SPOCK’S BEARD-influenced lens. What emerges is a distinctly original progressive rock statement that feels both familiar and refreshingly contemporary. The production strikes an ideal balance—rawer and more organic than bands like MYSTERY, yet polished enough to showcase every nuanced detail of the band’s intricate arrangements.
From the opening acoustic meditation “Of Ascents” through the epic nine-minute title track finale, EDENSONG demonstrates remarkable compositional maturity. The album expertly balances memorable vocal melodies with extended instrumental passages, ensuring that neither element overshadows the other. Barry Seroff’s flute work deserves particular recognition, ranging from serenely melodic passages to more avant-garde explorations that recall the best of JETHRO TULL’s progressive era.
The rhythm section of Towers and DiGregorio provides a rock-solid foundation that drives the music forward with precision and power, while James Byron Schoen’s guitar work and vocals anchor the band’s sound with both technical skill and emotional depth. The guest contributions, particularly Chris Baum’s violin on the closing tracks, add valuable textural layers without overwhelming the core quartet’s chemistry.
Our Road To Dust represents the kind of ambitious, fully-realized progressive rock album that has become increasingly rare in recent years. It’s a recording that rewards repeated listening, revealing new details and subtleties with each encounter. For fans of classic American progressive rock seeking contemporary excellence, this album stands as an essential addition to any collection.
EDENSONG has returned with their strongest statement yet—a remarkable achievement that places them firmly among the top tier of modern progressive rock acts. Don’t let another nine years pass before discovering this gem.
Written by: Gabor
Ratings: 8/10
Recommended for fans of: Spock’s Beard, Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Kansas, Rush
Standout Tracks: “The Illusion Of Permanence,” “Hall Of Statues,” “Our Road To Dust”
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