Nad Sylvan reveals emotional new album ‘Monumentata’ with lead single “That’s Not Me”
Nad Sylvan, renowned for his vocal work with iconic guitarist Steve Hackett, has revealed his upcoming deeply personal solo album ‘Monumentata,’ set to be released on June 20th, 2025, through InsideOutMusic. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of progressive rock, Sylvan’s music seamlessly weaves in elements of folk, classical, and modern rock, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The album, consisting of 8 tracks, continues to blend these styles while introducing new ones, ranging from the jazzy-pop vibe of “Flowerland” to the 60’s R&B-tinged “Monte Carlo Priceless,” and the edgy rock essence of “That’s Not Me.”
The standout track, “That’s Not Me,” which has been unveiled, showcases a heavy, aggressive sound with a funky undertone—reminiscent of a fusion between James Brown and Deep Purple. Explaining the theme behind the song, Sylvan reflects on the challenges of adjusting to different cultures while traversing the globe. The lyrical content of the album is deeply rooted in Sylvan’s life experiences, with approximately 75% of the lyrics directly reflecting his personal journey, laying bare his emotions and vulnerabilities.
The title track, “Monumentata,” symbolizes a significant moment in Sylvan’s life following the loss of his father, leaving him orphaned. Reflecting on this profound loss, Sylvan articulates, “It felt monumental to me, knowing that my parents are no longer there, and realizing that I may be next in line. The word ‘Monumentata’ was born from that realization, combining ‘Tata,’ meaning ‘Father’ in Hungarian, as my father was half-Hungarian. It’s about the profound impact of losing a loved one and coming to terms with that profound disappointment.”
While Sylvan takes on vocals, keyboards, and most guitar parts, the album also features several guest appearances from acclaimed guitarists Randy McStine, David Kollar, and Neil Whitford. The drumming duties are shared amongst Marco Minnemann, Mirko DeMaio, and Felix Lerhmann, while on bass, Sylvan is joined by fellow Hackett band member Jonas Reingold, Nick Beggs, and Tony Levin.
The album ‘Monumentata’ will be available in various formats including a Limited CD Digipak with a bonus track, a Gatefold transparent green LP, and as a Digital Album. The album artwork has been crafted by Hajo Müller (Steven Wilson). Fans can now pre-order the album through the provided link. The full tracklist includes the following songs: “Secret Lover,” “That’s Not Me,” “Monte Carlo Priceless,” “Flowerland,” “Wildfire,” “Make Somebody Proud,” “I’m Stepping Out,” and “Monumentata,” with a bonus track titled “Unkillable.”