The story of Maze of Time began in October 2001, and over two decades they have steadily crafted their identity within the symphonic Neo Prog landscape. “Look Beyond The Shadow” marks their fourth studio album, following 2012’s “Masquerade Show,” and continues to showcase their commitment to intricate arrangements, melodic depth, and structural sophistication. Released digitally on December 08, 2025, and arriving on CD and vinyl in January 2026, the album reflects a band fully confident in their voice, blending classic Symphonic influences with modern production sensibilities. Across four tracks, Maze of Time navigates between concise, focused compositions and sprawling epics, offering listeners a nuanced journey through their mature musical vision. The opening track, “Electric Eye,” immediately establishes the album’s sonic identity. Clocking in at just over six minutes, it is the shortest piece on the record, yet it is far from simple. Robert I Edman’s keyboards and synths dominate the texture, weaving intricate melodic patterns that intertwine with angular guitar lines over a rhythm section marked by subtle yet precise time signature shifts. The vocal lines, delivered with clarity and melodic intent, navigate the instrumental density, creating a balanced dialogue between voice and instruments. In the second half, guitar solos punctuate the arrangement, offering both expressive flair and technical complexity, while maintaining coherence with the underlying motifs. The track functions as a microcosm of the album’s approach: tight compositional structure enriched with elaborate instrumental interplay. “Salute For Us All” opens with a grounding bassline from Jan Persson and dynamic drumming from Thomas Nordh, providing a solid foundation for the atmospheric keyboard passages that follow. Alex Jonsson’s synth work is particularly notable here, crafting layers that feel simultaneously expansive and intimate. As Jesper Landén’s vocals enter, the track evolves through a series of shifting textures and rhythms. Distinctly Neo Prog elements appear through the interplay of melodic refrains, tempo changes, and Symphonic flourishes. The middle section introduces guitar motifs that both contrast and complement the keyboard-led themes, culminating in an instrumental passage that maintains momentum while highlighting the band’s technical acumen. This track exemplifies the careful balance between compositional complexity and melodic accessibility that Maze of Time consistently pursue. The title-track, “Look Beyond The Shadows,” expands on the album’s core motifs, blending classical Neo Prog influences with a contemporary perspective. The opening instrumental section is rich in thematic development, with layered synths, interlacing guitar lines, and rhythmic shifts that establish both tension and anticipation. Landén’s vocals navigate this intricate foundation with finesse, employing harmonized choruses and melodic phrasing reminiscent of the early 1980s Neo Prog wave. The instrumental interlude in the second half allows the band to explore textural subtleties, with guitar and keyboards engaging in a fluid call-and-response. The track’s structure highlights the band’s ability to merge melodic storytelling with Symphonic complexity, maintaining engagement across its seven-and-a-half-minute duration. The album culminates in the epic suite “Towards The Sun,” a sprawling 19-minute composition that serves as both homage and personal statement. From its opening measures, keyboards and guitars establish a thematic dialogue that unfolds through a series of evolving motifs. The rhythm section provides a flexible yet unwavering backbone, allowing for frequent tempo changes without losing cohesion. The suite is structured to alternate between expansive instrumental sections and vocal passages, offering listeners multiple entry points into the music’s layered textures. Melodic fragments recur and transform throughout, creating a sense of continuity and progression. Guitar solos in the midsection punctuate the harmonic flow, while keyboard passages shift from lush, atmospheric chords to intricate counterpoint, demonstrating a command of both texture and thematic development. The suite’s finale consolidates the motifs presented throughout, balancing climactic intensity with thoughtful resolution. Influences from classic Symphonic Prog bands of the 1970s, particularly Genesis and Yes, are apparent in the structural elegance and dynamic contrasts, yet Maze of Time assert their own identity through distinct phrasing, carefully placed solos, and thematic coherence. The suite functions as the album’s emotional and compositional centerpiece, encapsulating the band’s artistic vision in a single, immersive listening experience. In conclusion, “Look Beyond The Shadow” is a substantial contribution to the Neo Prog canon. It demonstrates Maze of Time’s strengths: sophisticated melodies, intricate arrangements, and a confident synthesis of classic and modern Symphonic elements. The album peaks with the epic suite, which fully realizes the band’s technical skill and compositional ambition, leaving a lasting impression of both depth and cohesion. While not revolutionary, the record stands as a carefully crafted, highly listenable work that reinforces the band’s reputation for meticulous attention to detail and expressive clarity. For enthusiasts of Symphonic Neo Prog, the album provides a rewarding, immersive experience that reflects both reverence for the genre’s roots and a clear commitment to its ongoing evolution.
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Tracklist
01. Electric Eye (6:07)
02. Salute For Us All (7:11)
03. Look Beyond The Shadows (7:26)
04. Towards The Sun (19:06)
Lineup
Robert I Edman / Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Jesper Landén / Lead Vocals
Jan Persson / Bass, Vocals
Alex Jonsson / Keyboards
Thomas Nordh / Drums, Percussion