nth Ascension

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Channelling amalgam of early Marillion (Fish-era), Rush, IQ and Arena, the new British group NTH ASCENSION have delivered a debut CD ‘Frequencies Of Day And Night’… :cool: Anyone who was in part of vibrant neo-prog rock scene in the 80's, can find elements of this release very nostalgic. Songwriting is of high quality. All compositions are melodic, incorporating a variety of motifs. The trademark is the energy of performance. Dramatic and quieter pieces are included as well. This quartet comprises Michael Alan Taylor (bass guitar, lead vocals), Darrel Treece-Birch (keyboards), Martin Walker (guitars), Craig Walker (drums/percussion). So… take a moment and familiarize yourself with what is here...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkGyQ68Lg1I&feature=relmfu

If there’re quibbles, it's on the production side. Otherwise, ‘Frequencies Of Day And Night’ is a solid debut. We have only just gotten to the tip of what’s possible for these guys. Let’s finance their bright future. ;)

http://www.nthascension.com/

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Nth ASCENSION’s new musical journey is called 'Ascension Of Kings'. It represents a curious diversity with shades of Magnum, Foreigner, early Marillion, Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, Arena (to name a few). What's more, the concoction of influences melds into a passionate exploration of the band’s own quirky style. All the ingredients are in right place. Predominantly, the compositions work on two levels: bombastic segments alternate with the delicate nuances and sublime melodies. The lyrics add some poetic feeling to this craftily arranged, compelling affair…Well, let's elaborate. The opening track, ‘Fourth Kingdom’, brings a gravitas with exhilarating lead vocals (Michael ‘SPUD’ Alan Taylor), terrific guitar performance (Martin Walker), layers of synthesizers (Darrel Treece-Birch), energetic drumming (Craig Walker) and associated bass (Gavin Walker). The vanguard song is followed by 'Return Of The King', drawing on a subtly intense power that drives this instrumental forward. Next up, ‘Strange Dreams’, which starts enthusiastic, then continues changing and evolving throughout its duration. The pace slows down on ‘Overture (Clanaan pt.1)' with a vaguely disquieting feel. Its successor, 'Realm With A Soul (Clanaan pt.2)', features gloomy mood and rather distant vocal harmonies. The third instrumental on this album is captivating ‘Seventh Rider (Clanaan pt.3)'. Again, the guitar player sets his palette to the fore. In particular, Andy Latimer comes to mind. An unhurried tempo ‘Weight Of The World’ I'd describe like balladry Roxy Music coupled with Asia-type choruses. Finally, we have a monumental epic, Vision’. This tour-de-force brings the CD to a solemn close. Great stuff!. :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScKEw7p1bMY

Hope, the exquisitely packed ‘Ascension Of Kings’ will put Nth Ascension on the map of important prog-rock bands. :)

http://www.nthascension.com/

Nth Ascension 2014.jpg
 
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MRR will release the newest Nth Ascension album entitled 'In Fine Initium'.

The track-listing is as follows:

i. Kingdom Keys
ii. End of Days
iii. So, that was the Apocalypse
iv. The Cage
v. In Search of the Rider (Clanaan pt IV)
vi. Forever (Clanaan pt V)
vii. When the Rain Falls (Clanann pt VI).


Nth Ascension are masters at weaving tales of hope found even in the darkness, light triumphs and humanity will always have its champion. 7 tracks to send you on an unforgettable journey and when it ends, all you want to do is begin again.

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The debut solo album by Nth Ascension frontman Michael-Alan Taylor - 'Avalonia (The Sonnets of Guinevere) - is tentatively set for worldwide release on June 29.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=194&v=p_CbCG--zR8

This video sets the stage through classical imagery, harkening to the days of chivalry, honor, quests, and loss all in the name of love, a timeless constant. Nine tracks, from Lancelot’s perspective for the King he served, and the Lady he loved. A story told in magnificent sweeping passages that cut with the ferocity of 'The Final Battle', soothe as 'The Lady of The Lake' and bear witness to 'The Dance of Love.
 

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Nth Ascension 2019.jpg


Nth Ascension have recently finished work on a new studio album 'Stranger Than Fiction' which should be ready for sale by late May/early June. 8 tracks.
 
John Watt

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I came to look at this thread because it was started in 2012, and was at the top of the thread chart today.
Now I can see that Nth Ascension has become a solo project for Michael-Alan Taylor, and they got back together again.
I listened all the way through to the Melodic Music Revolution recording company logo,
and the beautiful art deco artwork kept me looking.

My first thought about music is about being a dance band or not being a dance band.
I'm hearing this band as being orchestral and slightly operatic with the vocals.
My second thought was oh, it's coming out May 31st when my birthday is May the 1st.
Prog Head! Maybe you could get an advance copy and mail me one for my birthday!
That's a happy thought.
 

Prog Head

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UK progressive rock band, NTH ASCENSION, featuring TEN keyboarder Darrel Treece-Birch in their ranks, have announced the release of their third studio album 'Stranger Than Fiction' on May 31st 2019 via Metatronic Records. This CD contains eight tracks including a further three instalments from the ongoing 'Clanaan Chronicles' storyline which began on their debut release.

Nth Ascension 2019.jpg

Track listing is as follows:

1. The Opening
2. True Identity
3. Fire In The Sky
4. Reconciled
5. The Gathering (Clanaan pt. 7)
6. Journeys End (Clanaan pt. 8)
7. Lament (Clanaan pt. 9)
8. Sound To Light.
 

Prog Head

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Prog Head said:
UK progressive rock band, NTH ASCENSION, featuring TEN keyboarder Darrel Treece-Birch in their ranks, have announced the release of their third studio album 'Stranger Than Fiction' on May 31st 2019 via Metatronic Records. This CD contains eight tracks including a further three instalments from the ongoing 'Clanaan Chronicles' storyline which began on their debut release.

View attachment 4383

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Click to expand...

Soon to be described. :)
 

Prog Head

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Prog Head said:
Soon to be described. :)
Click to expand...


NTH ASCENSION come up with their fourth CD ‘Stranger Than Fiction’. And I was wondering to know how the British band sounds in 2019. The line-up remains the same as before, and is comprised of: the lead singer Michael Alan Taylor, Martin Walker (electric & acoustic guitars), Darrel Treece-Birch (keyboards), Gavin Walker (bass), Craig Walker (drums & percussion). Their latest, eight-track record applies a variety of different colours, alterations and tones resulting in the 72 + minutes album that is mere intriguing. Let's elaborate… Appropriately titled 'The Opening' begins with the distant thunderclap and sound of sea waves rolling, before entering of sublime vocalization complemented by the flawless orchestral backdrop. In itself, it's a wonderful piece of music which should apply to people who crave to hear a Celtic vibe. By the time this engaging introduction to the album ends, you would expect somewhat yet in agreeable style, but instead find a ponderous 'True Identity’. In my view, this power metal plot is an odd inclusion to the set - just because it sounds overly heavy, reminding of the Manowar trend. And I am praying for the next song to begin. Fortunately, the third composition ‘Fire In The Sky’ is one of my personal favorites on the entire album. The instrumental performances of all musicians and emotive vocals work together suitably well, giving lots of hope for the subsequent material. Being contrast with its predecessor, ‘Reconciled’ leans to a classic hard-rock pattern. Despite this reservation, it’s a solid track with fairly diverse moods. Towards the middle, there is a tranquil section featuring superlative guitar work and soulful lead singing. To move things further, a later segment returns to initial groove. The disc continues with a massive, almost 25 min. musical block where ‘The Gathering', 'Journeys End' and 'Lament' dovetail well, being hewn from the cloth of multi-faced tapestry 'Clanaan' which is familiar from the earlier CD's (here, respectively, we have new parts number 7, 8, 9) - and each adding wealth of diverse elements, melodies, textures to ensure the holistic impression. As if this wasn’t enough, the ultimate piece 'Sound To Light’ lasts 18 + min. saturated with the interaction of all partners allowing the music to provide transitions with enough of contrast going on. In that sense, a long epic carries the album to worthy conclusion. So what can be said about CD ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ as a whole? Of course, I do have a negative remark concerning the second track on this CD. But for the most part, Nth Ascension unveil here a strong work that features the peculiar songwriting, high-classy musicianship and profound singing. It certainly deserves to be heard by prog rock audience... :tiphat:
 

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The keyboard player Darrel Treece-Birch has decided to leave the band. This will bring some change to style of Nth Ascension, but the four remained lads are about to take a new course, starting to work on their next studio release.
 

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Alan, Martin, Gavin and Craig are currently writing new songs and forming some ideas for their next studio album which has to be released in early 2022.
 
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