Proximal Distance

“Proximal Distance” will be featured on a Aural Moon Radio program this coming Monday, August 9th at 8:00 p.m. Central Time!

They will be playing a couple songs from the CD and there will also be commentary from the deejay!!

Woo hoo!

Link to article

Here is the review via Google translator (original text below):

Proximaldistance is based on cooperation among musicians Jeff Hamel and John Gregg. It says most people may not so much, but when we mention our bands Slychosis and Majestic is possibly someone that it rings a bell to. Well, John is from the Canadian ensemble Slychosis, while Hamel from Majestic. Both plays numerous instruments and are driving forces in their respective bands, and these bands makes the usual pretty good prog alloy music. The music is classical prog with certain sensors to space rock with some innsmett of disharmonious notes that freshens up the whole. Apart from certain influences to the Majestic and Slychosis his music influences worth mentioning in bands like Pink Floyd, Saga, King Crimson, Genesis and Yes. The music on this debut alternates between atmospheric parties and parties with really full of gas and fine intensity. Intense instrumental sections alternate with vocal parts which include the fine vocals of Jessica Rasch let him hear. The epic song “Gupsy” can be definitely hear, and our “friend” Jessica Rasch make an effort and colors sounded superb here. Keyboards are often in a space mode, and guitar lines are something that can best be described as gorgeous, playful and beautiful. We hensettes to 60 and 70 the number of the fine alloy psychedelic song “Flash Back To Now (A Hippy’s Lament)”. Jessica Rasch’s voice and acoustic guitars and dreamy keyboards are the main ingredients in the beautiful and exciting “Fall Leaves”. Also “Algol” recently mentioned type keyboard first, but eventually convert the song to dirty music. The music can best be described as a heavy prog, and the bass and guitar encourages scene with pretty intense game play before the song calms down and flows into the “The Shaman”. A “flow” that makes these two songs almost make a musical symbiosis and in any case hang naturally together. “The Shaman” offers also on vocals, Sarah Hamel who seems to be hand-picked for just the song. A song that the course is about a something special if the traditional professions, and where a reasonable degree of savagery and dramaturgy course is required. Such obtained here from, among other vicious vokalsamplere and agile and innovative guitar and bass lines, lines. As a compelling final disc gives us 14.16 minutes long “Expanding Universe”. The song has a dark undertone, and the musical range is so wide that it is a pleasure. Yet the song very much accessible and not an exercise in showing off a wealth of good. Right there and not have to show off is of the gentlemen Hamel and John their forces on this album. With two multi-instrumental sites together on a board, so to speak, had enough people fell for the temptation to show off. Instead, it is a great commitment to make good musical ideas into creative, highly audible and exciting music. A msuikk where elements and inspiration from many styles melted together into a smoothly functioning whole. Hard rock, symfonsik, metal, prog, neo, artrock, electronica, prog metal are some of the sources used. That such a broad inspiration could be both unfocused and messy, we avoid here, and instead we get really tasty and good music made. An example of these skills is the duel between the two guitar solos that is alternately lyrical and raw, challenging and constantly supported by really fat and varying keyboard lines. When we also get cover art by Russian artist Vladimir Mold Aversion who is from the top drawer, we are obviously not the less positive of this work. As the preceding text clearly says that this album is best described in the Norwegian as well “a must”, and it definitely belongs in every decent collection of prog!

Here is the text in original form:

Proximal Distance – Proximal Distance

Proximaldistance er tuftet på samarbeidet mellom musikerne Jeff Hamel og Gregg Johns. Det sier kanskje ikke folk flest så mye, men når vi nevner vi bandene Slychosis og Majestic er det muligens noen som det ringer en bjelle for. Nåvel, Johns er fra det kanadiske ensemblet Slychosis, mens Hamel kommer fra Majestic. Begge spiller utallige instrumenter og er drivende krefter i sine respektive band, og disse bandene lager til vanlig ganske så bra proglegert musikk. Musikken er klassisk prog med visse følere til spacerock og med noen innsmett av disharmoniske toner som frisker opp det hele. Foruten visse influenser til Majestic og Slychosis sin musikk er påvirkningene verdt å nevne fra band som Pink Floyd, Saga, King Crimson, Genesis og Yes. Musikken på denne debuten veksler mellom stemningsfulle partier og partier med virkelig full gass og fin intensitet. Heftige instrumentalpartier veksler med vokalpartier hvor blant annet den fine vokalen til Jessica Rasche lar seg høre. Den episke låten ”Gupsy” lar seg så absolutt høre, og vår ”venninne” Jessica Rasche gjør en formidabel innsats og farger låt fortreffelig her. Keyboardene er ofte i et spaca modus, og gitarlinjene er av noe som best kan beskrives som lekre, lekne og vakre. Vi hensettes til 60 og 70 tallet på den fine psykedelisk legerte låten ”Flashback To Now (A Hippy’s Lament)”. Jessica Rasche sin stemme og akustiske gitarer og drømmende keyboards er hovedingrediensene i vakre og spennende ”Leaves Fall”. Også ”Algol” har nylig nevnte type keyboard begynnelsen , men her konverterer låten etter hvert til røffere musikk. En musikk som best kan beskrives som heavyprog, og hvor bass og gitar råder scene med ganske så intens spilling før låten roer seg ned og flyter inn i ”The Shaman”. En ”flyt” som gjør at disse to låtene nærmest utgjør en musikalsk symbiose og i alle fall henger naturlig sammen. ”The Shaman” byr for øvrig på vokal Sarah Hamel som virker å være håndplukket for akkurat den låten. En låt som jo selvsagt handler om en noe spesiell om enn tradisjonell profesjon, og hvor en rimelig grad av villskap og dramaturgi selvsagt er påkrevd. Slikt hentes her fra blant annet ondskapsfulle vokalsamplere og spenstige og innovative gitar- og basslinjerlinjer. Som en mektig finale gir skiva oss 14,16 minutter lange ”Expanding Universe”. Den låten har en mørk undertone, og det musikalske sortimentet er så rikholdig at det er en fornøyelse. Likevel er låten i høy grad tilgjengelig og ikke en øvelse i å vise frem et vell av flinkhet. Akkurat det og ikke måtte vise seg frem er av herrene Hamel og Johns sine styrker på denne skiva. Med to multiinstrumentalsiter samlet på et brett så å si , hadde mange nok falt for fristelsen til å vise seg frem. I stedet er det et flott fokus på å forme gode musikalske ideer om til kreativ, svært hørbar og spennende musikk. En msuikk hvor elementer og inspirasjon fra mange stilarter smeltes sammen til et velfungerende hele. Hardrock, symfonsik metall, prog, neo, artrock, electronica, progmetall er noen av kildene som brukes. At en så bred inspirasjon kunne bli både ufokusert og uryddig unngår vi her, og i stedet får vi virkelig velsmakende og dyktig laget musikk. Et eksempel på nevnte dyktighet er duellen mellom to gitarsoloer som vekselsvis er stemningsfulle og rått utfordrende, og hele tiden understøttet av virkelig fete og varierende keyboardlinjer. Når vi så også får cover art av den russiske artisten Vladimir Moldavsky som er fra øverste skuff blir vi jo selvsagt ikke mindre positive til dette verket. Som den foregående teksten klart sier så kan denne skiva best beskrives på godt norsk som ”et must”, og den hører definitivt hjemme i enhver anstendig samling av prog!

http://proximaldistance.com

1. Algol (Instrumental)
2. The Shaman
3. Gypsy
4. Contemplation
5. Flashback to Now (A Hippy’s Lament)
6. Deep Space Intermission
7. Leaves Fall
8. Journey of Truth
9. Coherence
10. Expanding Universe

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Jeff Hamel – Giatrer, keyboards, bass og vokal
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Gregg Johns – Gitarer, keyboards ,bass, mandoliner og vokal

Gjesteartister,

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Sarah Hamel – Vokal på spor 2
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Jessica Rasche – Vokal
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Jeremy Mitchell – Trommer
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Todd Sears – Trommer

Artur Chachlowski played Majestic, Slychosis and Proximal Distance on the 06/02/2010 radio show. Along with the airplay reviews (written in Polish) of all three CDs are posted.

Thanks Artur!!!

Listen to radio

Reviews:

Artist/ Band: Proximal Distance
Title: Proximal Distance
Label: Self release
Year of Release: 2010
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

Proximal Distance is a new progressive rock collaboration spearheaded by Jeff Hamel of Majestic (guitars, keyboards, bass, vocals) and Gregg Johns of Slychosis (guitars, keyboards, bass, mandolin, vocals). Joining them are Sarah Hamel (vocals on “Shaman”), Jessica Rasche of Majestic on (vocals) and Jeremy Mitchell and Todd Sears, both of Slychosis (drums).Aside from their separate bands, influences on the self titled debut includes bands like Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Saga. With Jessica’s vocals, it takes those classic influences to a whole new level. The primary sound has a classic progressive rock with some elements of space rock and some dissonant sections woven in.

Starting off the album is “Algol” (7:52), starts off with some dreamy keyboards building up to heavy prog sound with urgent bass and guitar parts. It mellows out towards the last few minutes and segues into “The Shaman” (8:02), the first vocal track on the album provided perfectly by Sarah Hamel and includes some evil sounding voice samples. These two songs make up a something like a suite.

Next up is “Gypsy” (11:22), the first epic of the album. This one features Jessica on vocals and she’s in top form. Musically this one leans towards a Pink Floyd influence with it‘s fluid guitars and spacey keyboard parts. This is one of my favorites of the album.

The music goes a relaxing route on the acoustic driven “Contemplation” (3:17) and is the perfect vehicle for Jessica to show off her vocals up front. Picking up the pace again is “Flashback (A Hippy’s Lament)” (4:40) with it’s psychedelic vibe that reminds me of a trippy sounds of the late 60’s/early 70’s. This is followed by “Deep Space Intermission” (5:36) which has a more spacey sound with soaring guitar solos and minimal vocal parts.

“Leaves Fall” (3:50) returns to the acoustic side with some dreamy keyboard parts. It is another song that features Jessica’s angelic vocals in the forefront. This is another of my favorite songs on the album.

Returning to the long format is “Journey Of Truth” (7:33). This has a metallic guitar crunch about 2 minutes into the song. Here’s where the Majestic & Slychosis influences come in to play. The vocal melodies are just sublime here as with the guitar playing

Coherence” (7:54) starts off with some spoken word the morphs into a progressive metal vibe with the crunchy guitar parts. It reminds me of a mixture of Majestic and Ayreon.

Closing off the album is the second epic “Expanding Universe” (14:16), that at times reminds me of a heavy version of Pink Floyd mixed in with some elements of Ayreon. It also contains the most soulful and emotional vocals on the album.

Proximal Distance was a perfect meeting of progressive rock musicians and the self titled debut is a testament to the finer points of the genre that is fresh with each listen. Everyone was in top form. I would recommend this highly to fans of both Majestic & Slychosis as well as the afore mentioned bands. This is simply one of the best debuts of 2010.

Reviewed by on May 25th, 2010

Tracks:

01. Algol (7:52)

02. The Shaman (8:02)

03. Contemplation (3:17)

04. Flashback to Now [A Hippy’s Lament] (4:40)

05. Deep Space Intermission (5:35)

06. Leaves Fall (3:50)

07. Journey of Truth (7:32)

08. Coherence (7:54)

09. Expanding Universe (14:15)

Proximal Distance is a sophisticated musical project, featuring two incredible musicians, Jeff Hamel from “Majestic” and Gregg Johns from “Slychosis”, both are considered as a multi-instrumentalist, where together for the first time, started to build strong musical ideas, creating an innovative and solid music with a varied collection of styles and influences, taking inspiration in the past, with a creativity in combining elements of Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Hard Rock, Neo-Progressive, Progressive Metal and Symphonic Metal adding a dark atmosphere and some electronic textures. The band’s music impressed me, because they use a varied instrumental conception, blending symphonic arrangements with heavy and aggressive components with extensive instrumental parts. The main highlights on the instrumentation are the amazing duels from two different guitars’ solos, sometimes melodic and sometimes aggressive, acompained by symphonic and atmospheric keyboards, producing incredible melodies. On vocals, we have Jessica Rasche (check out “Majestic” Band), singing in a distinctive style that fits perfectly in all the compositions, her voice is so clear and melodic, with an ability to create many different vocal tones, sounding between “Tracy Hitchings” – “Landmark”, “Robin (Marta Kniewska)” -  “Strawberry Fields”, “Christina Maria Booth” – “Magenta” and “Rachel  Jones” -”Karnataka”. “Proximal Distance” contains ten incredible tracks, 74 min of a pure musical delight, full of magic moments. You must listen the songs “Algol”, “The Shaman”,  “Gypsy”, “Flashback to Now (A Hippy’s Lament)”, “Journey of Truth”, “Coherence” and “Expanding Universe”, that of course, would please all fans to the old and new progressive rock. For the best reference, the musical ideas on the project, follows in the same line such as the bands “Pink Floyd”, “Arena”, “Slychosis”, “Porcupine Tree”, “IQ”, “Majestic”, “Riverside”, “Magenta”, “Mostly Autumn”, “Landmark” and “Ayreon”. Brilliant, fantastic, and an amazing album, highly recommendable…

Proximal Distance: Proximal Distance

Original link

It seems only yesterday I was reviewing the latest Majestic disc Arrival. Needless to say, I was quite happy when Proximal Distance arrived in the mail. I had no idea the project even existed so it was a nice surprise. Proximal Distance is the new collaboration between Jeff Hamel of Majestic and Gregg Johns of Slychosis. Also included are Sarah Hamel (vocals on “Shaman”), Jessica Rasche of Majestic on vocals and Jeremy Mitchell and Todd Sears, both of Slychosis, on drums and percussion. Although I have never heard Slychosis before, I can tell you the music does bear a strong resemblance to Majestic, which is a good thing in my opinion.

The band lists a variety of influences such as Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd and Saga. Their sound is deeply rooted in classic progressive/space rock, probably most resembling Pink Floyd, as the guitar of Hamel and Johns is definitely inspired by Dave Gilmour. Listening to Proximal Distance was a real treat, and although they sometimes where their influences on their sleeves, they are not a clone of all things retro. The musicianship on this album is very good and with the music being so melodic, it should appeal to many fans of progressive rock. The songs vary in intensity from full symphonic aural assaults to pastoral acoustic passages and dreamy keyboard parts, often within the same song. With two songs over eleven minutes and four songs over seven, and a total time of over seventy-four minutes there is a lot of music to absorb, and I have to say boredom was never an issue. An added bonus are the vocals of Rasche as she continues the fine job she did with Majestic on this release. Her voice has a nice warm tone and is a great fit for the music they make.

There are no duds here, which is quite a feat considering the album’s length. Beginning with the symphonic heavy prog of “Algol” where the subtle orchestration slowly builds and the atmospheric guitar leads to heavier riffs, the album is off to an impressive start. “The Shaman” incorporates mellower keyboard sections with heavier prog, combining eerie voice samples and choral background vocals. Yes and Pink Floyd came to mind and the guest vocals of Sarah Hamel are very good. Another fine proggy build up begins “Gypsy”, an eleven minute tour d force of crisp electric guitar leads ala Gilmour, moody keys and a brief electronic section reminding me of Alan Parsons.

Other intriguing moments include the acoustically driven ballads “Contemplation” and “Leaves Fall” and the intense “Flashback (A Hippy’s Lament)” complete with stabs of buzz saw guitar and an overall 60s psychedelic vibe. Two of my personal favourites are the trippy “Deep Space Intermission”, with some of the best guitar work on the album and the album ending epic “Expanding Universe”, that has the band playing at their progressive best, loaded with crisp clean guitar, metallic riffs and wistful keyboards.

As you immerse yourself in the music, have a look at the mind numbing artwork of Vladimir Moldavsky, you will enjoy the ride that much more.

Hamel and Johns have done an excellent job with Proximal Distance. I urge all fans of progressive rock to get on board and enjoy the trip. It is one you will want to take again and again.

Track Listing:
1. Algol (Instrumental)
2. The Shaman
3. Gypsy
4. Contemplation
5. Flashback to Now (A Hippy’s Lament)
6. Deep Space Intermission
7. Leaves Fall
8. Journey of Truth
9. Coherence
10. Expanding Universe

Added: March 20th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf

Original link

PROXIMAL DISTANCE.. ‘PROXIMAL DISTANCE’

(Self Release) Reviewed 27th February 2010

This is the brand new first offspring from the marriage of two American prog rock maestros, Gregg Johns of Slychosis and Jeff Hamel from Majestic, with Majestic’s Jessica Rasche on vocals. This is like jumping into a time machine back to the 70’s, so don your flares and tie dyes, and come on board with me my friends. While we on the way we can have a good look at the stunning surrealist artwork by Vladimir Moldavsky, you are going to have some fun trying to decipher the pictures, takes me back to the days of vinyl when you used to spend hours looking at the sleeves trying to work out what it all meant, with the help of substances legal or otherwise. The first 3 songs are epic tours around Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Mike Oldfield, Pink Floyd, ELP, Caravan, Fleetwood Mac, Vangelis and Curved Air, anywhere where the fancy takes them. Jessica has an excellent versatile voice that changes to suit the music, which is full of superb melodies, guitars and synths. A dramatic acoustic guitar arpeggio announces the fourth tune, the reflective, dreamy, atmospheric, ‘Contemplation’. Then we suddenly find ourselves detoured back to the 60’s with ‘Flashback to Now (A Hippy’s Lament)’ and ‘Deep Space Intermission’, groovy man, I really dig this happenin scene, I’m sure someone’s put something in my cup of tea, far-out and sideways, crazy like. The lovely acoustic ballad ‘Leaves Fall’ then brings us back to our tour of the 70’s for the final 3 epics, but hang on a moment, there’s some Dream Theatre in there, it must be a rip in the time space continuum. For dyed in the wool prog fans this will bring a misty eyed tear to the eye, ‘flashing back to another time and place, fuzztone axes, colors dancing on my face. I dare not stay here, but this is a groovy place’ (Flashback to Now). For new adventurers, this is a fantastic trip, 74 minutes of amazing, superbly produced and performed music that will keep you entertained for months. Your ticket to ride awaits you at http://proximaldistance.com/blog/. Come on board for a journey of a lifetime. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

We are pleased that the following CD shops are carrying the new Proximal Distance cd with more still to come.

Visit them here

• Syn-phonic Music
  
• Kinesis
• Just for Kicks Music
• CD Baby
• Fossil Records

Proximal Distance is now shipping. Order NOW!!!