With movie studios in their backyard it was only natural that their music would be full of highly stylized themes, taking listeners on a journey beyond this dimension, with one concept album after another.
This highflying dynamic duo hails from the city of angels. Coming from a city that is known for 80s rockers and silicone groupies, the sunset strip provided a perfect backdrop for Heart of Cygnus to hone their hard rocking Hollywood skills.
The Hollywood backdrop has been both a blessing and a curse. In a city known for manufacturing stars and radio driven singles in a sea of sameness it took the bands do it yourself grassroots efforts to breakout to the masses, but by following their own madness they have built a loyal international following. Their sound goes beyond just the good time glam bands of the strip, with a slightly sophisticated sci-fi/fantasy progressive edge that brings the best of 70s and 80s heavy rock to the forefront of their very current music style.
The band has been internationally recognized by many magazines including RockHard and Heavy:
RockHard Magazine (Germany) HEART OF CYGNUS. The band was already generating enthusiasm with their original Prog-debut “Utopia”. The unique blend of straight progressive of the 70’s – a little LED ZEPPELIN, GENESIS and RUSH, with a lot of their own style – has already generated a steady current in the Underground.
Heavy Magazine (Germany) praises the band as a highly talented duo not only comparing them to Iron Maiden, but going further stating Heart of Cygnus is a taste of Class A music that could surely bring fans of old MAIDEN classics to tears.
Heart of Cygnus will soon announce worldwide dates that will include a touring bassist and guitar player to bring their unique metal to the masses. New fans are already highly anticipating the upcoming release “Tales from Outer Space” as Heart of Cygnus continue to turn heads and win hearts of hard rock fans everywhere.
Founding members of this Hollywood Heavy Metal duo include Jeff Lane (guitar/bass/synths/vocals) and drummer Jim Nahikian.
DISCOGRAPHY
Utopia - 09/21/2007
1. Prelude 2:39
2. Metropolis 3:50
3. Elementary 2.43
4. Another Day 4:14
5. Alexander's Lament 3:37
6. The Dream 2:43
7. A Call to Arms 2:21
8. Conditioning 3:23
9. Before The Court 3:37
10. Escape 1:40
11. The Knight 7:27
12. Winter 7:34
Over Mountain, Under Hill - 03/31/2009
1. Over Mountain 6:01
2. Under Hill 6:26
3. Black Riders 4:15
4. The King and His Steed 3:19
5. Lost at Sea 8:24
6. Erik 3:38
7. Blue Planet 3:56
8. The Mountain King 9:05
9. Revelations 6:55
Tales From Outer Space! - 11/18/2009
1. Tales From Outer Space 1:28
2. In The Days of the Galctic Alliance 3:57
3. Space Trilogy Pt. 1 - Maiden Voyage 2:32
4. Space Trilogy Pt. 2 - Perelandra 2:45
5. Space Trilogy Pt. 3 - Sleeper 10:05
6. The Last Man 3:18
7. Starship Troopers 3:56
8. XBSN 2:58
EUROPEAN MAGAZINE COVERAGE (OCT 2008 - JUNE 2009 BY MAGAZINE)
ROCK HARD MAGAZINE (GERMANY)
- MARCH 2009
Review of "Over Mountain, Under Hill" by Michael Kohsiek.
While I have great love of newcomers such as Portrait, Enforcer, Procession, and The Devil’s Blood, the most significant newcomer for me is HEART OF CYGNUS.
The band was already generating enthusiasm with their original Prog-debut “Utopia". The unique blend of straight progressive of the 70’s – a little LED ZEPPELIN, GENESIS and RUSH, with a lot of their own style – has already generated a steady current in the Underground.
Now, the duo staring the all-rounder Jeff Lane along with Jim Nahikian are back again [with "Over Mountain, Under Hill]… and how! Admittedly, when I first started listening I was somewhat disappointed, still waiting to hear what was left. But by the third time around, I was addicted to the many monumental ideas that can be found in songs like the two heartfelt pieces “Lost at Sea" and “The Mountain King", or catchy tracks like “Black Riders", the melody-laden “Blue Planet", and the Manowar-like “Erik" (No, not “Eric")
Some melodies are evident on the surface, some need to be discovered, but they all radiate over the bulk of the gray matter of other musical landscapes.
With just two albums, HEART OF CYGNUS is the best prog band of the third millennium.
Michael Kohsiek 9.5/10 points
HEART OF CYGNUS is also listed as one of the top 20 upcoming bands to watch for in 2009.
www.rockhard.de
HEAVY MAGAZINE (GERMANY) - JAN 2009
Compilation CD Featured Track/Review of "Lost At Sea"
Our Song "Lost at Sea" was featured in Heavy's Compilation CD in issue 117. Per the editorial team (Chris Jagger, Stefan Glas, and Alexander Kolbe) our song was the #1 pick of their jurist panel who decide what submissions are included on their compilation. Here was a short note in the magazine by Alex Kolbe.
We had already introduced you to “Utopia" in the special tip of the month, the debut submitted by the duo HEART OF CYGNUS, founded in L.A. in 2005 (see their Interview in HEAVY-Issue 115)
In brief, Multi-tasking front-man Jeff Lane and his drummer colleague, Jim Nahikian, with a nod to their biggest influences RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, and LED ZEPPELIN, are back with “Over Mountain, Under Hill", their second album – and it’s sent with the devil’s fury, the two highly talented musicians superceding their first work with a successful successor.
The eight-minute mini-epic “Lost at Sea" is a taste of Class A music that could surely bring fans of old MAIDEN classics to tears. The debut “Utopia" is not only available via the Internet, but can also be purchased through Just For Kicks mail order. To get an impression of the not-for-much-longer unsigned duo, visit www.myspace.com/heartofcygnus.
The eight-minute mini-epic “Lost at Sea" is a taste of Class A music that could surely bring fans of old MAIDEN classics to tears.
Alexander Kolbe
ROCK HARD MAGAZINE (GERMANY)
- SEPT 2008
Full page interview/Photo
1. Tell me all about the very beginning of Heart Of Cygnus. How did it all start?
Jim and I have been best friends since growing up. Through high school we played in a band that did mostly cover songs. After high school, we went our separate ways for a while, but then both ended up back in L.A. We started a power pop/rock trio and it was fun for a while. We played in clubs all over Hollywood and Los Angeles. But we eventually grew bored of trying to sound like the radio...
A few summers ago I was trying to come up with another pop song and I was wracking my brains... so, to take a break, I just messed with a little guitar instrumental that basically ended up becoming "Prelude". Back then I had some geeky name for it. I soon realized that writing progressive rock flowed so naturally for me, it's just who I am. But writing pop was like pulling teeth. I eventually showed Jim and he loved the song, but then I shelved it and forgot about it for a couple... Click here for more
www.rockhard.de
HEAVY MAGAZINE (GERMANY) - MAY 2009
Full page interview/Photos
HEAVY MAGAZINE (GERMANY) - OCT 2008
Full page interview/Photos
Every now and then it happens that in the jumble of renegotiated publicity and publications hides a real gem. “Utopia", the debut of the L.A. based duo HEART OF CYGNUS, is just such a case.
As their band name suggests, the two creators, Jeff Lane and Jim Nahikian are big RUSH admirers, crossing the 30-minute barrier with the title concept song “Utopia Book I", along with “The Knight" and “Winter". Their influences are clearly noticeable reflecting classics such as “A Farewell To Kings" and “Hemispheres", with references to IRON MAIDEN, QUEEN, and PINK FLOYD, yet without missing a relevant portion of their own style. With the cool cover artwork from ex-MAIDEN illustrator Derek Riggs, they are ready to be the progressive rock/metal highlight of the year.
We spoke with Jeff, the creative head responsible for vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards, along with his drummer colleague, Jim, on their splendid debut..
METAL HAMMER (GREECE) - JAN 2009
Review of Utopia
Progressive is the obsession of this column, not to mention U.S. Metal. But rarely will you find groups nowadays that are devoted to these two beloved styles. Who today is serving these styles with a sense of awe? We all hate imitations. The American band HEART OF CYGNUS is not an imitation. Blending a love of RUSH, QUEEN and IRON MAIDEN, “Utopia" is the arena where all of these influences are displayed.
The album starts with a concept, the not-so-imaginary future world as a utopia/dystopia, where everything is controlled by controlling the dreams of the citizen. My first thought is “2112", right? What I mean is that the writing of Neil Peart, who in turn was inspired by Ayn Rand, inspired Utopia. Jeff Lane, the songwriter, has built a futuristic universe that will charm any fan of the music of RUSH, especially 1976-1982 era.
But this is not just a copy of Lee, Lifeson, and Peart… it is more melodic, importing influence from QUEEN and BOSTON, with a story containing various roles that are brought to life by a variety of voices.
I would recommend this album 100% to progressive fans. Here you will find a balance of quality, passion, emotion, and technical/melody.
www.metalhammer.gr
ECLIPSED MAGAZINE (GERMANY) - MAY 2009
Featured track "Black Riders" on Eclipsed CD sampler "The Art Of Sysyphus Extra Vol. 2"
Inspired by Toliken’s Lord of the Rings, “Black Riders" is not central to the three long tracks from “Over Mountain, Under Hill", but the class of HEART OF CYGNUS is loud and clear in compact format. Fantastic guitar harmonies, captivating vocal lines, and clever arrangements make this song the perfect appetizer!
Over 45,000 copies in circulation of this special edition Woodstock issue.
www.eclipsed.de
ECLIPSED MAGAZINE (GERMANY)- NOV 2008
Featured track "The Knight" on Eclipsed CD sampler "Music From Time And Space Vol. 31"
“The Knight" has nothing to do with the Sci-Fi concept of the album it’s on, but still shows how colorful and entertaining the prog duo HEART OF CYGNUS are on their debut. Here are enchanted concert guitars, strings, and guitar melodies à la Queen, and even the playfulness of RUSH shines through in the end.
www.eclipsed.de
ROCKS MAGAZINE (GERMANY) - MAR 2009
Interview/Photo
JUST FOR KICKS MAIL ORDER/ONLINE RECORD STORE (GERMANY) - SPRING CATALOG
"Over Mountain, Under Hill" featured album with artwork on mail order catalog cover. Top 2 seller for 3 months straight.
ONLINE REVIEWS
DANGERDOG.COM (USA)
Heart Of Cygnus impressed many with 2007's debut 'Utopia,' a genuinely delightful and completely unexpected work of American progressive metal. With this years 'Over Mountain Under Hill,' a brilliant and nearly flawless work, Heart of Cygnus have become the future and bright hope of the genre in America. Unfortunately, it seems their greatest admiration and recognition comes from overseas. Let's try to change that.
'Over Mountain Under Hill' is imaginative and breathtaking in scope and presence. Jeff Lane and Jim Nahikian travel through the progressive musical realms of those past like King Crimson to those present like Dream Theater. From 'Erik' through 'The Mountain King' I felt like a time traveler hearing the best of 70's prog made refreshingly new for our present day. On the first two HOC deftly marries heavier riffs with light vocal arrangements to create catchy memorable compositions. 'The Mountain King' begins with a light acoustic guitar and vocal prelude only to move into some compelling prog fusion melding those vocals with guitar.
For something more modern akin to Dream Theater, Spock's Beard and possibly even a little Procupine Tree, songs such as 'Under Hill,' 'The King And His Steed,' and 'Lost At Sea' defy expectations offering, at the same time, brisk and sophisticated arrangements of varied styles and completely convincing musicianship. Nahikian is masterful behind the drums, and Lane's pleases with his vocal range and thrilling fret work.
Heart Of Cygnus' 'Over Mountain Under Hill' is some of the very best American progressive metal to be found gracing our shores in recent times.Thoroughly imaginative and amazingly entertaining, this is an epic work worthy of your complete and full attention. Highly recommended!
HEART OF CYGNUS has frequently been in the media recently, among others, and I’ve already had an interview with lead guitarist, Jeff Lane. A few weeks ago, their second CD “Over Mountain, Under Hill" was finally released. Musically, technically, and production-wise my expectations were exceeded. HEART OF CYGNUS has done it again, despite the high standard set by "Utopia".
On the two opening tracks, “Over Mountain" and “Under Hill", you can hear right away the ingredients that make HEART OF CYGNUS: Awesome song structures, first class riffs, beautiful, epic songs, all mixed with the drum beats of Jim Nahikian. To sum it up, every melody, every song is only a small part of the HEART OF CYGNUS secret-recipe… every musical connoisseur will develop an addiction.
This new CD is heavier and not quite as catchy as "Utopia". The gain was slightly increased so the guitars are more in the vein of late 80’s metal legends than the 70’s hard rock sound. Keyboards are used sparingly, although the 2 music wizards from California convince us of their higher artistic musical ability with the semi-orchestral arrangement on “The Mountain King."
Next, on the instrumental “The King and His Steed", Jeff Lane shines with tough, extremely precise rhythm work, displaying his creative guitar playing, with which he seems super comfortable - at least it feels that way!
Another highlight on the album is the eight-minute epic "Lost at Sea". It offers all that you, a guitarist, could only hope for: beautiful acoustic guitars, subtle electric guitar riffs decorated with unique solos, and a long, ingeniously created instrumental orgy that would warm the hearts of fans of Dream Theater, Rush, Queen, and Iron Maiden. The outro is also extremely well done: Clean guitars beneath a bombastic phaser-laden solo… A normal, relaxed, ending that floods unexpectedly again into a river. Awesome!
I wanted to avoid sounding repetitious in this review, but I can’t find any word that fits the music of HEART OF CYGNUS more than “Awesome!"
Therefore, I’d like to briefly mention the song “Black Riders." Yes, it’s awesome. They lyrics are apparently inspired by The Lord of the Rings… what can you say? I think Jeff’s versatile voice is extremely well expressed in this song. HEART OF CYGNUS have improved in all aspects… in Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Drums – all show a step forward, and especially Jeff’s voice, which dominates over “Utopia".
I’m also happy that the songs on “Over Mountain, Under Hill" are significantly longer that on the previous album, where, when the songs were finished, I was sad they were over so quickly. (Not that they sounded incomplete – they were extremely entertaining, as with this new album, except the new songs are longer.)
In summary, overall, I think that no words in any language are enough to describe the extraordinary performances by Jeff and Jim. I’ll try it anyway: Too Awesome!
Remember the name HEART OF CYGNUS. This band is the greatest hope of Modern Music.
“… the moments are increasingly fewer and far between when a band manages to captivate and fascinate me in the same way HEART OF CYGNUS has with this second CD. From the first seconds, the spirit of 70’s progressive rock and 80’s New Wave of British Heavy Metal flow out of the speaker, and I feel like someone from those eras hearing the massive albums 'Piece of Mind' or 'Caress of Steel' for the first time…
(Read more at metal-norge.com)
Opinions, advice, constructive criticism, comparisons, and more… this is what we’re called to do every time, remaining detached and impersonal, but always trying to be honest with ourselves and to the groups we’re reviewing. But then, the unexpected happens, and everything is falling, and you find yourself like a child visiting Disneyland for the first time. In this case, I’m the child and the American band HEART OF CYGNUS is Disneyland. With the duo’s second album “Over Mountain, Under Hill" I found myself going around and around, standing on the roller coaster, and the adrenaline is still not falling.
I have to admit that I’ve not known of HEART OF CYGNUS until now, and I’ve never heard their debut album “Utopia", so I cannot tell if this album is better or worse, but I can safely say that with “Over Mountain, Under Hil" I was dying with excitement!
HEART OF CYGNUS is Jeff Lane (vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards) and Jim Nahikian (drums). Their music comes from an alchemy of sounds born by a strong admiration for bands like IRON MAIDEN, LED ZEPPELIN, QUEEN, and RUSH, in particular, due to the similarity of Jeff’s voice to that of Geddy Lee. Their music is very progressive, “Lost at Sea" and “The Mountain King" being the most obvious confirmation. Jeff’s work is impressive, playing the bass as if it were his main instrument, only to surprise you with the skill he displays on guitar, the alternating solos, even exchanging riffs so that it sounds like the dueling pair, Murray / Smith. You can also hear the emotion in Jeff’s voice the whole time.
The disc opens with the Zeppelinesque “Over Mountain" that immediately shows the proper respect these boys have for their instruments, especially the very fine work of Jim on the drums – a true emulator of Neil Peart.
Then we have “Under Hill", scattering the cards on the table, starting slowly, then crossing the diabolical in the second minute into a real instrumental worthy of RUSH.
The catchy “Black Riders" reveals HEART OF CYGNUS’s New Wave of British Heavy Metal roots, and then everything explodes with the subsequent “The King and His Steed", an instrumental track that rises to the MAIDEN-esque feats of the 80s, with riffs of guitar, melodies, harmonies and counterpoints, above an overwhelming rhythm section.
As I mentioned previously, with “Lost at Sea", the Americans engage us with the most progressive track on the disc, very different, with fast clips, very epic.
“Erik", at first listen could be easily overlooked, however after repeated playback, reveals a love for good melody, as is also captured in the beautiful vocal line of “Blue Planet".
“The Mountain King" begins with a solo acoustic guitar, and then expands to keyboards and orchestrations, then to Jeff’s voice, starting the journey of this monumental piece of strong progressive atmosphere, from the mellotron, to the King Crimson-like protagonist.
“Revelations" is such a close match to the original, that when it ends, you expect to hear the beginning of “Flight of Icarus."
That being said, get caught up in the wonder and spread the disease… you will not be disappointed.
Best song: Whole Disk.
Sometimes you are completely unprepared and fully broadsided by a CD. Such is the case with the Californian band, HEART OF CYGNUS. Brought to my attention by a colleague (again, thanks Michael!), I’m blown away by this well-done, awesome CD I ordered. I don’t happily drop big names, but HEART OF CYGNUS hint at this already because of their band name, if nothing else.
“Cygnus" was in the title of two great RUSH songs 30 years ago. And it’s no wonder that the main influence of HEART OF CYGNUS is RUSH.
“Utopia" is a concept album that reminds us, both in Science Fiction and technicality of albums like “2112" and “Hemispheres". Otherwise, the guitar performance brings to mind the classics of QUEEN. Also, DEEP PURPLE gleams here and there throughout, and occasionally one is reminded (in terms of guitar, technically) of old IRON MAIDEN (and if I say “old", I mean “Purgatory" or “Sanctuary"). For example, in “Metropolis".
But it’s not as if HEART OF CYGNUS don’t demonstrate their own ideas. The above names are a basic comparison, so you can know what they sound like.
You can only describe “Utopia" with one word: Awesome. Really, incomprehensibly Awesome.
The Duo scoffs every description, each song racing to keep up with themselves, at times rocking, sometimes mid-tempo or fast, or calm sounds as in “Alexander’s Lament." “Before The Court “ is so interspersed with abnormally cool guitar riffs that the intent listener is brought to tears of joy.
One’s heart almost races with the leads from “Escape", which drip with enthusiasm. How awesome can it get? … And as a completely unknown Duo? The zeal! It’s divinity brings you to your knees.
The album’s concept song ends with a bang after 30 minutes, with all of the fireworks depleted in the finale.
In short: tight songs, bound together by short verbal passages, the band drunk on a compendium of ideas, without equal.
This is followed yet by two 7 minute songs, “The Knight" and “Winter", neither belonging to the concept, but still standing on their own. Each has a wonderful, crystal clear, beautiful, natural sound… and an awesome CD cover by Derek Riggs.
Lastly, we realize that we are holding the best album to date from 2008, though it first appeared in 2007.
HEART OF CYGNUS is the big surprise pitch that succeeded.
