Crystal Palace The System of Events

2013, Crystal Palace are a German progressive/art-rock band from Berlin who have been around for some time honing their chops and advancing their songwriting skills which has led to this little gem - their sixth studio album. Sounding to these ears very similar to label stablemates RPWL (no bad thing, RPWL are one of the finest progressive rock bands around) with a smattering of Hogarth-era Marillion, Pendragon, Arena and, ubiquitously, Porcupine Tree, THE SYSTEM OF EVENTS is an eight track progressive rock tour-de-force. The aforementioned highlight of what is an exceptional piece of work is both the closing and title track of the album. ,,The System Of Events" would be a standout track on any progressive rock album - it's that good. The band knew what they had as well, roping in Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) and Yogi Lang and Kalle Wallner (RPWL) to add their talents to the thirteen minute epic. The whole album is a top-notch effort!