Twenty3Fifty9

If you think the only music that comes out of Texas may be blues, country, or death metal, then I’ve got some news for you. The Lone Star State is home to a very intriguing and impressive progressive rock band by the name of Twenty3Fifty9, an allusion to ‘one minute to midnight.’ Formed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2005, T3F9 has been developing and playing their first act of Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, a grand tale and certainly one of my favorites. When not playing The Count, Act I The Soul of a Prisoner during their shows, they fill the set with covers of Dream Theater, Kansas, and Iron Maiden. The influences are obvious within The Count bringing an epic sound to an epic tale of love, loss and political intrigue. (more…)

Like classic literature? After a bit of epic prog? This might just be the album for you.

The Count, Act I – The Soul of a Prisoner is an ambitious debut from Dallas based symphonic, melodic, prog rockers Twenty3Fifty9 and tells the story of Edmond Dantes, later to reinvent himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. Based on the book by Alexandre Dumas, this album covers his imprisonment in the Chateau D’if and by flashback tells the story of how he ended up in this predicament. A second album, due at a later date, will cover his escape, search for the lost treasure of Monte Cristo, and how he exacts his revenge on those who imprisoned him.

It’s a hugely theatrical piece, giving the impression it was designed as musical/operatic theatre rather than for straight live performance by a band, although I suppose that’s usually taken as read from a prog concept album. Singer Jeff Beardsley has apparently been singing since age 12 and I wondered whether there was classical training in his background, the quality of his voice is so good. (more…)

It took a while before I knew how this band was called… But, I admit I was immediately under the spell of the awesome cover. The booklet easily shows that this is some kind of concept CD but what could I expect musically? I didn’t have a clue until I heard the intro; yes, this must be some Progressive Metal concept CD. Not the easiest music to write but if it works out you often have a masterpiece… I’m curious.

Damn, a pity that the production isn’t that good, not clear enough but I am impressed by the music that I hear. Not a bad singer, great guitar solos and very varied, call it some kind of creative high quality Metal with roots in the traditional Metal. And yes, there’s a strong epic touch present in all I hear in that very first song, called ‘Darkness’. I’m sure fans of epic US Metal will adore this opening track, although I warn you keyboards are making part of the songs. Does it bother me? No, not at all… (more…)

Twenty3:Fifty9 – The Count, Act I – The Soul Of A Prisoner
This Dallas-based symphonic metal quartet released their eagerly awaited, self-produced debut mid-May. Clearly influenced by some of metal’s most prestigious progressive powerhouses (most notably Symphony X, Dream Theater, and Savatage), Twenty3: Fifty9 avoids many of the genre’s clichés by carving out their own niche, with an Andrew Lloyd Webber theatricality and melodic sensibility. Their 60-minute concept album, revolving around the Count of Monte Cristo, is certainly the most ambitious slab of local music to come along in years. Pick it up on their website, or better yet at one of their shows! (Jason Robert)

TWENTY3FIFTY9 / The Count. Act I. The Soul Of A Prisoner review by DALE JUDAY

Twenty3Fifty9 is from Texas, where other prog bands have emerged (Tuner, Gollum, Hands). Taking their cue from the royal lineage of music, this band knows how to deliver a quality album. Impressive packaging & artwork for their debut release. Chock full of lyrics (although a bit difficult to read as it appears blurry against background art), and a very interesting storyline to follow. The album titled “[The Count, Act I - The Soul of a Prisoner]” is a feat of progressive glory.

The band is tight, the production (as far as instrumentation goes) is superb. They receive glowing reviews for their live shows. I can imagine why, as the music certainly comes across as unique and well composed. I presume the vocalist, who doubles as the band’s guitarist, can pull off the performance live – which would certainly set them apart from other gigging bands who tend to drop the ball on live performance when the pressure is on. (more…)