Lush, melodic and emotionally rich. Force of Gravity is Sylvan’s 2009 album: a versatile, symphonic set from Germany’s neo-prog stalwarts.

The short version

The 2009 seventh studio album by the German band Sylvan, and one of their most versatile. Marking the arrival of new guitarist Jan Petersen, it offers seventy minutes of lush, melodic progressive rock, ranging from grand, symphonic passages to rougher, harder-edged moments. As ever, the focus is on strong melodies and the expressive, dramatic voice of Marco Glühmann, all wrapped in rich keyboards and warm production. Ambitious and wide-ranging, and crowned by a sprawling closing epic, it is a rewarding entry in the band’s catalogue.

A new chapter

Force of Gravity marked a fresh chapter for Sylvan, and the first album to feature guitarist Jan Petersen. The rest of the line-up remained in place — vocalist Marco Glühmann, keyboardist Volker Söhl, bassist Sebastian Harnack and drummer Matthias Harder — with Miriam Schell returning to add guest vocals. If anything, the new arrival pushed the band towards a more varied, occasionally heavier sound, while keeping their trademark melodic warmth intact. Glühmann’s rich, emotive voice remained the heart of the music, carrying the album’s many moods with real conviction.

The sound

Force of Gravity is lush, symphonic neo-prog, melodic and dynamic. It builds on Sylvan’s trademark blend of sweeping keyboards, soaring guitar and strong, emotional melodies, but stretches the palette wider than before — from grand, atmospheric prog and delicate piano-led passages to rougher guitar riffs and subtle electronic touches. Glühmann’s expressive, wide-ranging vocals lead throughout, carrying the songs from fragile, reflective moments to powerful, dramatic peaks. Petersen’s guitar adds fresh energy and edge, while Volker Söhl’s keyboards provide warmth and depth. Ambitious and varied across its generous running time, it is a rich, rewarding listen for lovers of melodic progressive rock.

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The songs

The title track ‘Force of Gravity’ is a strong, passionate opener that showcases Glühmann’s expressive voice. ‘Midnight Sun’ is a gorgeous, tender highlight, a duet with returning guest vocalist Miriam Schell. And the fourteen-minute ‘Vapour Trail’ is the album’s towering centrepiece, an ambitious, dynamic epic and one of the finest things the band have recorded.

Reception and legacy

Force of Gravity drew a mixed but generally warm response, praised for its ambition, its lush arrangements and Glühmann’s superb vocals, even if some felt its lengthy running time made it a touch uneven. The soaring closing epic in particular won wide admiration, cited by many as a highlight of the band’s whole catalogue. It confirmed that Sylvan could evolve their sound with a new guitarist while keeping their melodic identity intact, and it retained the devoted following they had built across the 2000s. Today it stands as an ambitious, rewarding record and a strong showcase of the band’s melodic, symphonic strengths.

The verdict

Force of Gravity is Sylvan at their most versatile: lush, symphonic neo-prog built on soaring melodies, rich keyboards and Glühmann’s expressive voice. Come for the passionate title track and the towering ‘Vapour Trail.’ Ambitious, melodic and warmly emotional, it is essential listening for anyone who likes their progressive rock lush, dramatic and steeped in the neo-prog tradition — and a fine, wide-ranging chapter from one of Germany’s most enduring prog bands.

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