Beyond The Bridge-The Old Man & The Spirit

Frontiers Records
2012


Beyond The Bridge is a German band that was started in 1999. Originally going by the name of Fallout things looked promising for the young group. Before long though the band would dissolve. This was partly due to the fact that the band members were all still in school. With their university studies and professional careers awaiting Fallout was put on hold until 2005. At that point guitarist Peter Degenfeld-Schonburg decided to revive the band and work on a project he called "The Old Man and The Spirit". Without giving too much away this concept album deals with the search for meaning and how one man transcends this world into a higher realm. Pretty heavy stuff indeed and yet it is all handled in such a professional manor that one can't help but feel transfixed by the journey. Musically this is progressive metal with an opera mindset. Male and female vocals share the stage and frankly the whole affair is a stunning achievement. Even for a label like Frontier Records this is classy stuff and obviously it won't appeal to everyone. For those with a sense of adventure and a willingness to let the music soak in the end result is rewarding indeed.