Six By Six consist of guitarist Ian Chrichton (Saga), drummer Nigel Glocker (Saxon) and multi-instrumentalist Robert Berry taking care of bass, keys and vocals. This self-titled debut album of theirs was released in August 2022.
I’ve come across it recently after it popped up somewhere and I noticed Glocker’s involvement. Being a long-time admirer of his drumming I took a bit of a punt and bought this album a week or so ago.
Pleased I did because it is refreshingly superb progressive style rock with plenty of muscle to it – so much so I’d classify it as progressive metal generally.
There’s also plenty of variation holding the listening attention throughout all expertly written and performed.
Glockler’s usual powerhouse, solid drumming lays the foundation. Berry’s subtle bass, sparing yet effective use of keys and his clear vocals are all on point. As for Chrichton’s guitar – so impressive. He’s all over the album cutting lose in effortlessly remarkable style. A showcase for his considerable talent and able to show it here to full extent able do his own thing outside Saga.
Yearning to Fly kicks it off with a heavy, progressive, uplifting number with a big hook and a slightly funky feel. The band set out their stall, particularly the wonderful guitar.
China is generally straight ahead heaviness. Monster riff, solo and chorus. Addictive stuff.
Reason to Feel Calm Again switches style over the eight minutes or so with the soaring powerful stuff bookended by understated spaceyish symphonics. In between the song is a massive recipe of thumping drumming, melodic vocals, flowing keys and quite spectacular guitar as Chrichton stretches out again. The solo will drop your jaw to the floor in admiration.
The Upside of Down has an infectious hook. Casino has the big opening salvo before calming down a little building in a nice synth solo and interplay with the guitar. Live Forever give a little breather being a short acoustic number before the chunky, powerful, symphonic stuff comes back in with The Last Words on Earth as the nice piano-based intro gives way to a monster riff.
Skyfall is no back number. The Battle of a Lifetime amps things up then the closer – Save the Night – is a spectacular way to go out. An urgent number full of slick changes of pace and style, bounding hooks and yet more to Chrichton’s spectacular guitar.
Here’s the video for Save the Night:
So pleased I took a chance on this. May be a slight contradiction for a powerhouse rock drummer such as Glocker to turn up in a “prog” trio – however it works well given the underlying heaviness of the overall style Six By Six has fitting in nicely with everything else going on.
This is, to me, undoubtedly Chrichton’s album. Stamps his mark all over it and it is quite spectacular indeed. Well, the entire album is spectacular. If you like your progressive rock more on the heavy side towards symphonic progressive metal, this is for you.
They have a second album due out at the end of April. Beyond Shadowland. Have my order in for that and will review of course. Don’t miss out on this debut album though.
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