SiX By SiX, the progressive power trio comprising Ian Crichton (Saga), Nigel Glockler (Saxon) and Robert Berry (3.2), will release their sophomore album, Beyond Shadowland, on 26th April through InsideOutMusic.
Ahead of that, out now is the album’s second single, ‘Obiliex’, that Berry commented on saying: “Ian, Nigel and myself discussed if we should take a chance releasing a slower song with one of the most passionate and raw guitar solos ever? Our joint conclusion was….Yes!
“‘Obiliex‘ has become a favourite of the band, with the beauty of the guitar, the depth of the lyric, the power of its tranquil groove. We hope you enjoy the calm, the depth, the sheer raw energy of the song.”
You can check out the video for the single here at RAMzine.
For Beyond Shadowland‘s recording, the band reconvened in Berry’s own Soundtek Studios in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2023 to bend, shape, hammer and caress their diverse musical talents into 11 new tracks, where they continued to define and build upon their unique melodic space, welding guitar-driven rock, metal and prog into what’s intended as a unique and powerful sonic setting.
“On the new record we kept our style but have written stylistically some quite different tunes,” Crichton commented. “I gave Robert a lot of parts, sections, licks, middle eights etc. He added verses, bridges, etc… and vocals! He’s a brilliant arranger. Of course, Nigel is a powerhouse. As always, he played great on this record.”
Glockler himself added: “Playing with Ian and Robert is always terrific. Making this album was a productive time. Ultimately, we narrowed things down to eleven tunes. Good ones too! I left the sessions feeling very pleased. I think everybody’s going to be impressed with the new album.”
Berry continued: “I’ve always believed that music has the power to bring people together. This record is a testament to that notion. As always, working with Ian and Nigel on an actual second album was a moving experience for me. Truly special.”
Beyond Shadowland will be available as a limited CD digipak, gatefold 180g black 2LP (featuring four exclusive bonus tracks) & as a digital album. The artwork was once again created by Rob Fowler.
Tracks on the album featured are: ‘Wren’, ‘The Arms Of A Word’, ‘Can’t Live Like This’, ‘Obiliex’, ‘Only You Can Decide’, ‘Titans’, ‘Outside Looking In’, ‘ Spectre’, ‘Sympathise’, ‘One Step’ and ‘The Mission’. Plus, as noted, on the vinyl edition only, you’ll find the tracks: ‘SiX By SiX Orchestra Medley’, ‘The Arms Of A Word (Instrumental)’, ‘Honor Bridge’ and ‘The Mission (Instrumental)’.
The band’s self-titled debut, released in 2022, established the trio as a power chord-driven celebration of “artistry, passion and persistence”. Prog Magazine said that the record was “exciting, often potent and demands repeated listens”, while Classic Rock Magazine called it “an inspired opening salvo that bubbles with chemistry.” The band even released a graphic novel to accompany it.
Ian Crichton is best known as one of the founding members of Saga, alongside his brother Jim. Saga went on to sell roughly 10 million albums worldwide and continue to perform around the world. As the driving force behind SiX By SiX, Crichton assembled a potent band but one that focuses on his guitar prowess. This time with established players, each with a celebrated past, refined skills, and unlimited potential.
Nigel Glocklerbegan his career in 1980 as the drummer for the British band Krakatoa. In 1981 he found an opportunity with singer Toyah Wilcox. By the end of the year, he joined metal legends, Saxon. Except for two brief absences, Nigel has been behind his massive drum kit as an integral part of Saxon ever since.His powerhouse drumming is said to be the engine that drives SiX By SiX’s songs forwards relentlessly.
Robert Berry first gained international attention with San Francisco-based Hush, releasing well-received recordings and then touring the USA. In the mid-1980s Berry’s first solo album garnered positive reviews in the most influential trade publications of the day and the attention of several major labels. At the suggestion of one of those labels, Berry moved to the UK to work with guitarist Steve Howe (of Yes fame) along with drummer Nigel Glockler in an effort to revitalize GTR. When GTR stalled, he partnered with British rock legends Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer to form 3. With Emerson and Palmer, Robert achieved a top ten charting single and toured the USA. SiX By SiX, Berry’s melodic sensibilities are what complement Crichton’s guitar playing and Glockler signature drumming.
The first public airing of their new work came with the first single taken from it, ‘The Arms Of A Word’, a track that reflects on the division driven by a click-bait driven media – You can also watch the video to that one here at RAMzine.
To order Beyond Shadowland click here.
The SiX By SiX collaboration featuring Saga’s Ian Crichton, Saxon’s Nigel Gloeckler and 3.2’s Robert Berry promises to be an exciting mix of talent from the progressive rock scene. Their upcoming sophomore album, Beyond Shadowland, due out April 26 via InsideOutMusic, is sure to be highly anticipated among fans.
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The recent release of their second single ‘Obiliex’ showcases a bold and innovative approach to their music. Robert Berry’s commentary for the track highlights the band’s willingness to experiment and take risks, particularly with the inclusion of a passionate and raw guitar solo in the slower song.