Fym
Azure do not lack ideas. Fym brings together progressive rock, power metal and a fantasy story, then gives the whole thing almost eighty minutes to unfold. There are fast guitar passages, bright keyboards and plenty of changes in direction. The challenge is finding enough room for all of it without losing the songs along the way.
The opening stretch makes a persuasive start. The Azdinist // Den of Dawns puts a strong rhythmic foundation beneath the shifting instruments, letting the tune establish itself before the arrangement becomes more complicated. The title track then introduces another set of unexpected sounds and turns. There is a clear sense of enthusiasm in these pieces, and the detail gives them more character than a simple display of playing speed would.
The wider instrumental palette also helps. Alongside the main band, Fym includes woodwinds, trumpet and additional percussion. Those colours fit the scale of the material, giving the fantasy setting something more individual than another set of heavy riffs. Azure sound committed to building a complete world around these songs.
Chris Sampson's singing is a major part of that identity. The high register and forceful delivery can make the music feel excited and urgent, but the voice also takes up a great deal of space. It will be a deciding factor for many listeners. The range is impressive; the tone and constant intensity will not suit everyone.
Length becomes the larger problem. Some passages take too long to reach their strongest ideas, and the extended closing sections demand considerable attention after so much activity. The album offers quieter moments, but not always enough relief from its own drama. A tighter edit could have given the best material greater impact.
Even with those reservations, Fym is worth investigating if you enjoy melodic, adventurous prog. Its personality comes through clearly, and its ambition has substance behind it. Start with the opening pair of songs before committing to the full journey. Azure have made something distinctive, even when the record could use a little more restraint.
