SPECTRE: Dreamland

Spectre

Dreamland

© 2006 Spectre (094922549105)

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Progressive/Symphonic Rock where high-energy virtuoso musicianship and well crafted memorable songs meet science fiction song content.

notes

Spectre, Eloign, Ghost, Umbra - only a few words that begin to describe the core of North America's newest symphonic progressive band, Spectre. Founded by drummer, Brian "Weapon" Smith, Spectre has been compared to classic groups such as Styx, ELP, Yes, Rush, and Genesis, but described as a “modern version on steroids.” After combining forces with keyboardist Bob Sundgren and Soundscape guitar virtuoso Todd Rose, they based their foundation on writing good songs with excellent musicianship and some Hollywood-style theatrics to boot. If you are into three chord bar bands, we suggest you leave now! Spectre's music is written so the complexity is heard without the song content being compromised.

The songs have a story and twenty-minute musical tangents are banned. However, musicians will not be bored with Spectre's excellent arrangements and musical abilities. "There is a point to our complexity, but not the point of being ridiculous for the sake of being ridiculous," comments Merlin Sundgren. "We like to play many scales, but only if it compliments and enhances our music. I think seeing how Brian and Todd have come from progressive backgrounds, they have both matured and learned how to do progressive tastefully at this point in their careers."

Hold on to your seats because these guys exhibit high-energy chops and fun Hollywood-style, Sci-Fi song content!

Is this X-files meets progressive music? You decide...

THE SPEC-FILES:

TODD ROSE
Guitarist/Spectre Graphic Design
web: www.toddrose.net
e-mail: todd@toddrose.net

Citing influences such as Greg Howe, Tony MacAlpine, and Shawn Lane, Todd Rose is a 34-year-old guitarist who has performed extensively throughout the tri-state area and northeast with the CT-based progressive-rock band SOUNDSCAPE. He has opened for artists such as "King..s X", "Fates Warning", and "Echolyn", as well as at various progressive-rock and progressive-metal festivals. By 1999, Todd had recorded five CDs including two full length CDs with SOUNDSCAPE: "Discovery"(1997), and "Grave New World"(1998).

Todd has also been active in other areas of the music industry as an endorser and clinician for "Brian Moore Custom Guitars" and has appeared and performed at music trade shows such as NAMM in Los Angeles, CA and in Nashville, TN.

Todd has appeared in dozens of music publications including a full-page, full-color advertisement in "20th Century Guitar" Magazine for Brian Moore Guitars. Also during that year, Todd appeared in their 1998 "Artist-User" catalog along side world-renowned guitarists Al Pitrelli, Russ Freemen, Clint Black, and John Goodsall. Todd has also studied advanced improvisation with internationally acclaimed fusion guitarist Greg Howe and is currently working on his first instrumental solo cd.

"We soon realized that Todd Rose was the only guy for the job. This guy lives and breathes guitar and that was what Spectre needed. Playing intense progressive is a lot of work, and Todd is right at home in this element. He is the type of guy who can breathe fire into any song he plays on. Certainly his playing on Dreamland will retain him as a force to be reckoned with in the guitar community."
-Brian Weapon


BRIAN "THE WEAPON" SMITH
Drummer/Producer/Songwriter
e-mail: spectreusa@aol.com

Born at the dawn of the 70's era, Brian James Smith has gotten a reputation for his high, explosive, power-drumming and insane barehanded drum solos. It is this style that earned Brian the nickname, "The Weapon." As well as drumming, Brian has become known for his song writing, engineering and producing.

In the late 80's a very young "Weapon" hit the clubs for his first tour of duty with the popular New England band, Via Satellite, a progressive, power pop band. His professional career began with an unpleasant stint with a major recording label who on learning of Brian's cancer released him. "It was a terrible time. I lost everything to cancer and my job because I asked for a two week leave of absence to be with someone else who also was dying of cancer.The music industry is so cold and all about money. I wish I could change the greed and the power side of the industry but that isn't very realistic. I really just enjoy the music side, and will always give 100% to my first love...music." Brian also became a well respected studio drummer in New York and the surrounding Tri-State region. He has recorded everything from commercials to strange movie soundtracks, often times filling in for other well-known drummers.

The early 90's were good to Brian as he took home the gold two years in a row for the title of Boston's Best Power Drummer and to his credit he also was the North American East Coast Power drummer runner up. In 1992 he was given the best new power drummer award by Beat N'Drum magazine of France for his original performance of "Mindscape."

In the 90's, "The Weapon" became ill with a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma type cancer of the stomach pelvis area. Being told to have upwards of only 4 months of life left and entering this difficult phase of his life, Brian soon questioned his very existence. "Where do we come from? Why are we here? Undergoing my treatments I had visions of angels and ghostlike figures flying with me about the earth." With his new perception on life, Brian promised himself that if he overcame cancer he would go back to his roots, his love of music. Besides dying was not an option ever for Brian he had only just begun his musical journey. " You always want to prove the medical society wrong so I did!" He then decided to form a new group by the name of SPECTRE, (which means "ghost" or "apparition"). One thing Brian knew was that Spectre would become a band that exuded meaning.

"With Spectre members Bob a.k.a. "Merlin" and new guitarist Todd Rose, I have come full circle realizing that music is all about passion, happiness and giving. We simply play for the love of music!" Brian request's that people please give to the Cancer fund and Make a Wish foundation. He believes every human can make a difference and that tragedy only makes us all better people." Music can be love if used correctly. I seem to try to find my answers in music as it will never lie because it is from the heart and soul."

BOB SUNDGREN
Keyboardist/Vocals/Songwriter


Bob Sundgren is the man behind the keys of Spectre. Also known as "Merlin Bobarochi", Bob has a little more than twinkle dust under his fingers. With over twenty-five years of piano, songwriting, and performing experience, Bob has been involved in many areas of music throughout his life. His major influences over the years have been groups such as YES, ELP (Emerson, Lake, and Palmer), STYX, and GENESIS.

After high school, Bob attended the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut, further enhancing his study of piano and compositions. He continued to compose and write his own music, but due to his love of performing, he needed to start playing out again.

Throughout his travels, Bob became involved with quite a few bands, most recently with his nephew Rock. After mentioning that the two were considering recording a demo with their band, "Jaded CITY" to their good friend Doug Faye, they were directed to Brian Weapon at Rainforest Productions. The rest is history.

reviews

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  • Good stuff
    author: Nick

    Awesome album guys, nice guitar work Todd!

  • I like you band much
    author: Xiong Ziong

    A masterpiece of walls of sound and texture. I like floating on spacey symphony and drum powerful. Very good. When is a new cd here?

  • It kicks aliens butt!
    author: progvisionsmagazine

    As a new net magazine we finally got around to reviewing some of the classic hybrid prog. We have to say Spectre delivered the goods. A soon to be classic release. If only in this day and age recordscomp. would push bands like this. A huge 80's Yes style 90125 / Big generator influence with a modern Images and Words Dream Theater musical thrill. Finally a very commercial listenable symphonic prog band. I look forward to their next release. Fred

  • excellent band
    author: Hoey Beckon

    I love this CD. Progressive in everyway but most of all listenable with hooks and melody. I am excited for this bands next one to arrive. Hope they tour CA soon.

  • Dreams come alive with energy.Sounds like no other I have heard.
    author: Lorean Xaong

    A great find that helps you explore your dreams and the mysteries of the Universe. This CD has amazing energy and top notch musicianship.I feel these guys could go far with proper exposure to their unique sound. Sounds like no other band I have ever heard. I hope they do another one soon.

  • Sounds like a classic !
    author: An Old Rocker

    I love this CD. An old fan of Yes and Boston, I was surprised and pleased to find that progressive rock is still alive and well with Spectre. Dreamland demonstrates some really fantastic musicianship.

  • Buy it today!
    author: Lady Emerald

    This CD is awesome! I like to listen to it at night-- a view of the dark sky brings the music into perspective. Get yourself a copy.

  • Magnifecool
    author: Yani Zorvich

    Me like, These North Americans rock like aliens! I like.

  • I liked the content. Finally a proper genre band.
    author: SciFi guru

    It was good to see a band doing the whole spectrum of the science fiction genre and most of all staying away from the trap of Star Trek, Star Wars and Battlestar Galactic franchise thievery. So refreshing and I am addicted to the max in that whole realm of nor. This band is not your typical Trek and Star War's geek's trying to cash in or abuse the darkside of the Force or use the Klingon empire to thieve you. I also was impressed that they didn't rip me off asking for 14-17 dollars for a CD. I admit I'm an X-Files SW, Trek fan I even run a Science fiction website so I certainly love it all. But... It was inspiring to see the band made no mention or reference of characters of films or any shows. It's more the whole genre of the unknown which this band appeals to. You almost felt as if the band had experienced many of the lyrical aspects they sang about. To sum it all up.. A Great band with superhuman virtuoso musicianship influences, good science fiction with aliens, ghosts, supreme wonderment but most of all good value with no a- typical false Rodenberry, Spielberg or Lucas cash ins. Once Weird Al Yankavich does Stars Wars you must ask yourself why would anyone make more a mockery of the whole Star Wars franchise or any other one? It's been geeked to death by Weird Al the geek of all geek's. Thankfully Spectre understands that. There is no Trek or SW, DR.Who or BG geekism's prevalent here which makes the whole CD so much more enjoyable. Yes, X-Files meets progressive symphonic but not in the literal but more in the encompassment of science fiction genre. I might add that many bands who do Sci Fi music don't have singers who have any type of range. Not the case here. There are no monotone billy goats attempting to sing. Something I am much appreciate of after reviewing to many low range goat like singers trying to climb peaks where they should not be. Bahaa.. Spectre soars over these peaks and storms through the cosmic valley. 5 out 5 SciFi.com

  • Beam me up! Good band. saw these aliens on the scape
    author: Jessie Kendal

    I like this band. Progressive alien like but doesn't sound dated like Elp or Jethro Tull or Camel also sounds not to angry like the newer trend of anger progressive metal. Good stuff!

  • Alien mayhem
    author: Klauss

    So very good to have musical progressive symphonic rock that doesnt sound like kansas or Tull nor like all the new heavy progmetal bands.. Lisenable and played well. Very Good indeed. Klauss NBerg, Germ

  • X-Files fan who like this band. Scully would be proud
    author: Karen friend of Stephen

    Turned onto this band through Myspace. I love the X-Files to the tens so this band fit my little world to a tee. Coool Beans.

  • New and old style symphonic and progressive converge "True Bliss"
    author: Progpower reviewed

    I very rarely plug bands after writing reviews but I actually listen to these guys more then most as of late. Great mix of old and new styles but also easy to listen to. I recommend Spectre. Lets hope there will be a follow up CD. Most bands in this genre who are really good seldom make another. My only beef was I wanted two more tracks grr woof and so on but I am a greedy reviewer. Hence my 4 star and not 5 star rating Stephen Hughs

  • Aliens galore!
    author: Shannon

    Explosive Trio, Nice alien theme and good exotic playing style and songs. Shan

  • This alien likes very much!
    author: Volton the 7

    I like this band! Aliens and laser key technology with guitars and nuclear drums on 11. I went past Uranus after hearing this. Good reptilion musicby far!

  • Powerful new favorite!
    author: GuitarLunch

    My first review post. I have become quite the surfaholic recently and found this diamond of a band on Myspace. I play mostly simple rock guitar and usually get jealous when I can't play virtuoso type of music on par with the stars. These guys have an ear friendly sound that makes all the talent very easy to listen to. It's not the regular prog forumula of self indulgent sound because the songs are there.I think many prog band have forgotten song and have gotten into indulgent chop music which seems to bore me after the first track on a CD. Unlike bands like DT and AK and many others Spectre keeps the songs lisentable but yet the chops are on or above par as some of the other bands typically listed in the genre. It's a great new find and I must agree with the previous post. Massive is the word. I hope to add this to my collection and any other CD's the band has released in the past. How they do some of the speedy waterfalls so tightly is something for me to strive for as a musician. I wish I had the tab for guitar because there are notes galore on this CD. An excellent musical lightspeed jump.

  • Cool new band! impossible note twirls
    author: Keith Guitarman

    Found these madmen on Myspace.insane virtuso like stuff. Hoping to buy the CD this week. Precision is the word here dudes. Abducted yes, lucky no analprobes just jams. Does anyone else know of other CD's from this band? Keith

  • Great new find. Insane Alien musicianship. Great Prog symphonic
    author: Lehbrand Berger

    How to describe this CD? It's a very vast task because I keep finding hidden layers in the huge walls of sound with every listen but I'll try. Much Irony here though.. "Spectre" the band and Phil "Spector" the man who was known for making bands sound huge with that huge wall of sound in 60's. This would be chapter two if Phil Spector went to Mars and suddenly got tons of technology and came back to earth with insanely sick musicians playing their perogies off. The production is huge. I say it again massive! The better stereo you have the more you will discover here. Spectre are virtuoso players with an X-Files Scien Fiction like sound that meets progressive and symphonic rock music.. Take players like Steve Vai,and those genre guitar players,Very evident that Rose has learned from much from that style. Add some ELP, 80's Yes , Rush, but with a much more commercial hook vocal sound and then add almost impossible acrobat themed runs. These guys are true aliens. That is how I would desribe Spectre. I found the latest Dreamland CD in a small article and have to say I enjoy the new CD as one of my newest favorites. It's a breath of fresh air and different. It's not the so called norm of heavy angry prog that is common right now. It has a more happy sound but very powerful. It attains its power from tons of notation and drum wizardry of the Weapon and a huge wall of symphonic keys from singer Bob Sundgren hands, these many layers of sounds that with each listen you always seem to discover something new... Now please come to Poland Spectre and play a show. Newest fan. Lehbrand Berger

  • author: Devin Jones Stovell

    I have never heard a CD sound so well produced with stunning playing, speechless for sure. I can't find another CD, I hope this isn't a one-hit wonder this blows away any other band I have heard.

  • this CD rocks!
    author: Keith

    This is some of the most incredible playing I've ever heard, great songs and production. I love it, glad I ordered this CD. It's my new favorite, all of my friends are asking who the hell these guys are!

  • a musical avalache
    author: Ovidiu Dumitrescu

    Wow! I think this could be the first and rational reaction of anyone who make a first audition of this cd!This is something quite unexpected from the point of view of the avalanche of notes and rich musical ideas that are in this album. It's something made with real passion and belief to prove thet this guys can REALLY play their instruments!Maybee to much,in a way,but in the right way!The musical ideas orientated into the prog power style are well structured ,the songs are catchy and interesting and the musicianship of all the boys is impressive!I think they have practiced thousand of hours to play at such a level of intensity.The drummer is particulary ...intense and the guitar work has many moments of pure enchantment.The keys work is impressive too. So,this album deserves plenty a chance,this new band too,their future looks really bright and only time will tell if they will confirm or not. I strongly think YES!

  • Prog-Rock Rollercoaster!
    author: Eric

    Great songs and great hooks with INSANE musicianship! This cd contains some of the sickest runs I have ever heard! I have no idea how the guitarist and drummer can sync up like that. They have a totally unique wall of sound. X-files meets Progressive? ABSOLUTELY!

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