Enchant /early 90s Prog

[ghosty999]

I recently checked out Enchant - Blueprint Of The World

Some awsome tones and really great neo-prog that reminds me of Rush - Power Windows

Does anyone firstly have any bands that fit in this vibe? I guess it's kinda "high-tech" Neo-Prog with heavy use of Synthesizer to add melancholy and atmosphere.

Check out 3:50, sounds like a cocked wah? Really cool solo. Can't get any info on his recording rig but looks like he used some cool rack systems.

 

[boogieman1187]

I’ve never heard anyone mention Enchant before been listening to them for 20 years, not a whole lot of bands in the same vein, if you search old Magna Carta bands you will find some that are similar. Definitely look into their whole catalog there’s a lot of good music to be found. My first album by them was called “Wounded”, very good album.

 

[shredhead7]

I loved their first record. It was produced by Steve Rothery from Marillion. Their drummer is fantastic.

 

[ghosty999]

I’ve never heard anyone mention Enchant before been listening to them for 20 years, not a whole lot of bands in the same vein, if you search old Magna Carta bands you will find some that are similar. Definitely look into their whole catalog there’s a lot of good music to be found. My first album by them was called “Wounded”, very good album.

That's awsome man, I came across them and thought "Why aren't these guys a bigger deal?" But I think there was a push for prog-metal/heavier like Queensryche etc.

Enchant have a combo I really struggle to find:
- Powerful upper range vocals
- Synthesizers to pad out the sound
- Virtuoso guitar with that GK250ml/chorus washy saturated tone
- Strong bass and drum section
- Sadness / melancholy

Any suggestions would be rad

 

[ghosty999]

I loved their first record. It was produced by Steve Rothery from Marillion. Their drummer is fantastic.

Agreed, just an underrated band. First 2 albums are awsome but I feel the song writing falls off after that

 

[garey77]

Doug used an ADA pre into a 50w power amp, w/Quadraverb for fx. He moved to the Triaxis-90/90 for the next 9 albums. Also, Doug is an incredible musician. Tasty chops and cool a/f.

 

[shredhead7]

I loved their first record. It was produced by Steve Rothery from Marillion. Their drummer is fantastic.

Agreed, just an underrated band. First 2 albums are awsome but I feel the song writing falls off after that.

I felt the same way. I had many of the Magna Carta records from the early 90's. After Dream Theater gave me the progressive bug with I&W, I searched out everything I could. The big one that I liked a lot was Shadow Gallery, the first one especially. More Dream Theater styled, heavier, but shredding keys and guitar, vocalist is strong. Of course there are numerous super groups on their label, some good, some meh.

I had Lemur Voice, great band, but the vocals were weak. The guitar player is really good. Altura was similar, good band, but weak vocals. That seemed to be an underlying theme in the 90's prog scene.

I don't know if they were on MC, but Everon was a cool band, closer to classic prog, keyboard heavy (like an updated ELP).

If you are not familiar with Marillion, I can't say enough good things about them. For classic prog, Misplaced Childhood and Clutching at Straws. For Poppy 80's Rush sound, Seasons End, or my favorite Afraid of Sunrise (which is a blend of Beach Boys meets prog, poppy but still melancholic) listen to the songs Out of this World or King.

 

[ghosty999]

I loved their first record. It was produced by Steve Rothery from Marillion. Their drummer is fantastic.

Agreed, just an underrated band. First 2 albums are awsome but I feel the song writing falls off after that.

I felt the same way. I had many of the Magna Carta records from the early 90's. After Dream Theater gave me the progressive bug with I&W, I searched out everything I could. The big one that I liked a lot was Shadow Gallery, the first one especially. More Dream Theater styled, heavier, but shredding keys and guitar, vocalist is strong. Of course there are numerous super groups on their label, some good, some meh.

I had Lemur Voice, great band, but the vocals were weak. The guitar player is really good. Altura was similar, good band, but weak vocals. That seemed to be an underlying theme in the 90's prog scene.

I don't know if they were on MC, but Everon was a cool band, closer to classic prog, keyboard heavy (like an updated ELP).

If you are not familiar with Marillion, I can't say enough good things about them. For classic prog, Misplaced Childhood and Clutching at Straws. For Poppy 80's Rush sound, Seasons End, or my favorite Afraid of Sunrise (which is a blend of Beach Boys meets prog, poppy but still melancholic) listen to the songs Out of this World or King.

Thanks dude, this will get me started, checking out Magna Carta but their 90s albums seem to barely exhist online, looks like I'll have to dig into the archive blogs or buy a physical copy haha.

Shadow Gallery I can't get into for some reason, I think it's the cold thin sounding production and weaker vocals.

Something about the "soul" style runs they do in Enchant is super pleasing to my ears, it reminds me of the late Andres Mathos (Angra), combined with Geddy Lee.

 

[ghosty999]

Doug used an ADA pre into a 50w power amp, w/Quadraverb for fx. He moved to the Triaxis-90/90 for the next 9 albums. Also, Doug is an incredible musician. Tasty chops and cool a/f.

That makes alot of sense now, also awsome to know I can dial my ADA MP1 to try get close... and I have a MIDI Verb 3... and a rack 80 watter

Also checked out your bandcamp, I can hear some Doug-esqe vibes in there

 

[PeteLaramee]

I had a few discs way back, but haven't listened to them in a while. I don't know if it's this recording or what, but I remember actually hearing bass in their recordings.

 

[ghosty999]

I had a few discs way back, but haven't listened to them in a while. I don't know if it's this recording or what, but I remember actually hearing bass in their recordings.

Was that a dig at Justice for All?

I love the production of Blueprint, the piccolo snare, the synths high in the mix, the bass cutting through. The vocals sit up top due to the pitch. Just cool stuff!