*. Nemrud .*

Album: Ritual (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psychedelic/Crossover)  /  Turkey

Nemrud's Ritual appears to be the defining "moment" of this band's career. After debut album of some exceptional material and some mixed results, they pulled it all together on this very good composed four-song concept album about the schizoid person who tries to face himself in the dreams. The story played out lyrically and instrumentally with very few spoken word and spacey sounds alternating with strong melodies and harmonic vocals. Hence we have an album which defies categorisation. At times this is indeed Psychedelic Rock, but it is also highly symphonic. On top of that, the album arguably represents one of the first examples of the genre now defined as Psychedelic Symphonic Prog. The album opens with the amazing In my mind which is truly a magnificent composition and is performed flawlessly by all the musicians involved. The song starts beautifully with an spacy music featuring a bit of distorted guitar, soft keyboard and ambient drumming with dynamic work on tom and snares. In fact, the combination of guitar and drum is really nice and has become one of attraction points for this track. The key strengths of this song includes the brilliant flow of the music as well as the melody that brings the music along the way with a feeling of peace of mind during the wonderful flow. Sorrow by oneself; continues the nuance and style of the opening track in ambient spacey nuance. Again, the guitar work flows beautifully, followed with gentle voice of Mert Gocay. The main attraction of this track is probably the interlude in the middle of the song. It demonstrates the great combination of keyboard solo and rhythm section that comprises drums and guitar. One thing that is very good also from the band's music is the moog work that flows dynamically in tight guitar along with the music flow. Light; brings the music into more downbeat style with smooth drive on vocal as well as rhythm section. The tempo is of course lower than any other two tracks that precede it. This is about the time to cool down the music in a more dramatic way. This has made the album much more interesting to enjoy because at the first two tracks NEMRUD deliver the music in mixed tempo and this time demonstrates much more dreamy to create another emotional atmosphere to the listeners. And Ritual....Deadly bells, background sounds, synth and a narrator for the storm to start. 2 minutes of dark psychedelia than the organ plays minor chords like in a requiem on which the narrator says something. The song speeds up in the second half with a very beautiful melody on guitar and wonderful vocals. A clear reminiscence to Eloy, the kings of German Psychedelic Rock. Bass and Kicks in where the band's style is more highlighted. It is in my opinion the best song of the album, with an outstanding and heavy riff mixed with floating moods. Brilliant, one of the best Psychedelic Rock songs ever. If you're new to be the band, then Ritual is a good starting point. It shows that excellent prog music was not being produced only in England and the USA. NEMRUD was one of the first Turkish groups to make great records on that style outside the english speaking countries and Ritual is their magnum opus. 
Review by "Wasabian" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.75 / 10   **FANTASTIC**

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*. La Coscienza di Zeno .*

Album: Sensitività (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  Italy

Una copertina e le foto interne molto affascinanti con oggetti di antiquariato a rimembrare le varie tematiche affrontate dai brani non fanno che offrire più appeal alla proposta. Un pregevole e lungo inserto di pianoforte introduce “La Città di Dite” (spettacolare brano che la band già presenta da qualche tempo “on stage”) che poi esplode in tutta la sua magnificenza e magniloquenza con l’ingresso degli altri strumenti e della voce. Ripetuti inserti solistici, delicati passaggi acustici, un “punch” aggiuntivo rappresentato dall’ugola d’oro di Calandriello ed il gioco è fatto. E pure molto bene. Il soffuso inizio della title track con tastiere e voce ricama un brano dai colori delicati che non impediscono però notevoli scorribande tastieristiche a Scherani e nemmeno un bel “solo” di Serpico , presenza più corposa in questo nuovo lavoro che non nel precedente. Probabilmente  il brano top dell’album. “Tenue” ci mostra un ulteriore volto dei ragazzi liguri: un brano dall’atmosfera quasi notturna, evanescente, languido. Piacevolmente inaspettato. “Chiusa 1915” (dedicato ai prigionieri di guerra russi utilizzati per lavori ferroviari in Trentino durante la prima guerra mondiale) ha una bella ritmica spezzettata contrappuntata dalle tastiere. Un delicato passaggio al pianoforte prelude l’ingresso dell’espressiva voce di Calandriello, duttile come sempre. C’è ancora spazio per la chitarra elettrica e per il solito “trademark” delle tastiere a chiudere il tutto in modo molto malinconico. “Tensegrità” (il termine si rifà ad antichi riti sciamanici) inizia con un deciso riff di chitarra ed un ottimo lavoro del duo ritmico Orlando/Guidi  Colombi prima  che varie sfumature di tastiere conducano il pezzo ad un degno finale.Piuttosto atipica per il gruppo “Pauvre Misère” con ritmiche articolate, quasi crimsoniane nella parte centrale, ed un notevole contributo degli archi ( il violino di Sylvia Trabucco ed il violoncello dell’altra ospite Melissa del Lucchese). Chiude l’album “La temperanza”. La parte introduttiva è molto soffusa con protagonisti il pianoforte, il flauto e gli archi e solo con l’inizio del canto il brano si movimenta decisamente. Ora spiccano a turno la chitarra elettrica, il basso e la batteria, ora ,ancora ,il violino, il flauto e poi il bouzouki. Un brano che necessita di più ascolti per apprezzarlo come merita, ma che poi non vi lascerà indifferenti. Sensitività” è  dunque   un ottimo album e conferma La Coscienza di Zeno fra i gruppi di punta del panorama progressive non solo italiano. Se poi  l’esordio rappresentava dei “canti d’innocenza”ed il secondo  certamente  dei “canti d’esperienza”, questo è un altro discorso. Recensione di "Valentino Butti" (www.artistsandbands.org).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. Kenso .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2012)

Album: Kenso (Unknown Name) (2012)(SHM-CD Remaster)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz Rock Fusion/Symphonic Prog)  /  Japan

CD 13 - Kenso Complete Box (2012)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. The Shadow Over Innsmouth
02. Miskatonic
03. Kojinteki Kikyuu
04. Zaiya Kara No Kikan
05. Release Yourself
06. Shizuka Eno Tobira
07. Sora Ni Hikaru (Shining In The Sky)(live '82)
08. Beginnings (live '83)
09. Turn To Solution (live '85)
10. Les Phases De La Lune 2 (live '92)
11. Alfama (live '92)
12. A Single Moment Of Life
13. Codon 1
14. Codon 2
15. Codon 3

RATING:  8 / 10     FANTASTIC SOUND QUALITY

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*. Irolt .*

Album: Bûtertsjerne (1981)
Genre: Prog Folk (Contemporary/Folk Revival)  /  Netherlands

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Lutine
02. Sjut
03. Sytse Klokmakker (De Heloazjemakker Fan Warten)
04. Doektrúk (Sybes Boeredochter Ûntmaskere)
05. De Karre Kwijt
06. Rêdbêd
07. Blauwe Fedde
08. Hawkehownstwa
09. Tarissing
10. Boesgroen
11. Dwergkop
12. Brêgewipper
13. Duvel
14. Baarch
15. Bist
16. Labskous
17. Sjoerd Fan It Oerd
18. Bûtertsjernje
19. Etyk

Line-up / Musicians

Inez Timmer / Vocals, Recorder, Tambourine
Wybe Postma / Guitar
Nanne Kalma / Guitar, Percussion, Flute
Jan Ottevanger / Tuba, Bass
Sytse Wagenmakers / Accordion

RATING:  7.5 / 10

.

*. Janus .*

Album: Sea Of Sighs (2002)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Dark/Folk)  /  Germany/UK

Those familiar with Janus' legendary 1972 album Gravedigger will be in for a surprise with 2002's Sea Of Sighs 30 years on. Early seventies psychedelia gives way to brooding poetic Celtic rock here and is arguably the finest of the 7 Janus albums released since mastermind Colin Orr reformed the band in the late 80s. The work showcases the contrasting rich cholral tenor of Paul Phoenix with those of 15 year-old prodigy Nathalie Brown whose ethereal vocals could be compared to those of Maggie Reilly sounding very mature which belies her mere 15 years at the time. The instrumental accampaniement is warm, deep rooted and beyond reproach. As with previous Janus albums Orr has chosen his soloists prudently with session man Dean Houston on saxophone and classically trained Sandy Bartai on the cello. I have read other reviews of Sea Of Sighs where it is described as a new age album but this could not be a more inaccurate assessment when considering Houston's jazzy sax solo on Myrtle & The Harlequin or when Orr cuts loose with a blistering Floydian guitar solo on Dancing In The Graveyard. The solos nonetheless are kept to a minimum ( no 15 minute self-indulgent freakouts here folks ) and the focus is on graceful melodic soudscapes and backdrops with Orr tripling on keyboards, guitars and percussion. He even gets his kids Julie, Rikki and Matt along with Nathalie Brown to sing backup harmonies throughout this remarkable work. Although the album opens with two dreary and haunting tracks Sadness Of Love and Requiem that one would expect to hear in a monastery, it becomes gradually more upbeat even though it still reflects the doom & gloom of a English / Celtic past. One of the prettiest and poignant tracks on the album is Great Uncle Joe which is sung passionately by Brown that pays hommage to a forgotten soldier who went to fight for England during the Great War and never returned who is buried in Flanders Field. Cynical lyrics question whether the sacrifice was necessary. The marked English / Celtic aura is maintained on Captain which pays tribute to Edwardian days when England could launch a thousand ships in quest of fortune, treasure and conquest and reminds me of the Roger Wittakker classic The Last Farewell. A veritable overlooked masterpiece, Sea Of Sighs is an intriguing work that looks down through the years and captures the moods of bygone eras with it's dramatic instrumental textures and virtuoso vocal performances. Do not be misled to some other reviews that make new age references because Sea Of Sighs is much more than that and more. Haunting, meloncholic and forlorn a t times those familiar with the work of Mostly Autumn, Newfoundland Celtic / rock band Figgy Duff or even Mike Oldfield'sd late seventies early eighties work ( QE 2, To France, Crises or five Miles Out ) will definitely glean something from this jewel from Janus. What else? Review by "Vibrationbaby" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Keep Rockin' .*

Album: Into The Unknown (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Metal)  /  Poland

The band was formed in September 2008 under the auspices of Wloclawek Cultural Centre. After a stable line-up has completed, the people associated with a different musical genres created an explosive mixture called: Keep Rockin'. During that time, the musicians are working hard on new songs and playing a lot of concerts. At the turn of 2010/2011, the band entered the Islands Studio ( recording by Zbyszek Florek Quidam), and registered material for a debut album. The album includes guest performances by well-known musicians: Zbyszek Florek (Quidam) and Czarek Bregier (After ...) The lyrics are about the subjects generally associated with a man, his dilemmas and emotions. Music is characterized by sounds typical for rock and prog-rock. In the songs you can hear the heavier fragments, interesting rhythms and climates like a pure ballad. In 2013, the band recorded English versions of the songs, and the publisher of debut album was LYNX MUSIC from Cracow. (http://lynxmusic.pl)

RATING:  ???????????

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*. Controcorrente .*

Album: Controcorrente (1979)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Folk/Pop)  /  Italy

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Controcorrente 04:28
02. L'Amico 03:30
03. Un Nuovo Giorno 05:00
04. Se Volo Con Lo Sguardo 04:47
05. Inno 04:08
06. E'Amore 04:16
07. Hai Mai Visto? 04:49
08. Prigioniero D'amore 03:08
09. La Voce 04:16
10. Tu! 04:37

Line-up / Musicians
Massimo Ruggieri / Lead Vocals, Piano, Organ, Synthesizer, Violin, Guitars
Roberto Pilloni / Vocals, Bass, Guitar
Sandro Scoccia / Vocals, Percussion
and others .....

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Rhys Marsh and The Autumn Ghost .*

Album: The Fragile State Of Inbetween (2008)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Chamber/Art Rock)  /  Norway

Rhys Marsh is a UK born musician who lives in Norway. I picked up a couple of his recordings last year after reading this brief description on Greg Walker's web-site. He says : "Mellotron drenched dreamy symphonic with members of ANGLAGARD, ANEKDOTEN, WOBBLER and WHITE WILLOW". Well of course i'm going to buy this based on that description ! Lets just say after listening to this cd once I was really disappointed. Well I brought them back out after seeing he was added to this site recently and after many listenes I still feel underwelmed. This really comes across as a mellow singer-songwriter affair that is very laid back, melancholic and mature. Every song has a different lineup as guests help him out on each track. There are two guests here helping out that I was really looking forward to hearing in Nicklas Barker (ANEKDOTEN) on mellotron and Mattias Olsson (ANGLAGARD) on drums, electronics, orchestration and mellotron. Nicklas is on 3 tracks while Mattias is on 2 songs. "Can't Stop The Dreaming" is laid back with reserved vocals, acoustic guitar, flute and strings. We do get some outbursts though. "Don't Break Your Heart" is also mellow but the mellotron courtesy of Mattias before 4 minutes is excellent. "When All's Done" is a rare energetic tune with trumpet and flute helping out. "All Light Fades" is where he is stripped down to a 3 piece. A ballad-like tune that features Mattias on mellotron, drums and orchestration. "Lit By Night" is more of the same but more majestic i'd say and we get female vocals helping out. "I Watched, As You Disappeared" is probably my favourite and it has Nicklas on mellotron and this song is quite dreamy. "Liquorice Kiss" is an intricate sounding song with vocals. It's fuller before 1 1/2 minutes but not for long. "As I See You There" is another dreamy tune but i'm not a fan of the steel pedal that gives this a Counrty flavour. "Undone" is acoustic guitar with laid back vocals bringing NO-MAN to mind. Mellotron 3 minutes in. "Spoken" is the longest song with the biggest lineup(11 people). Probably the most ambitious track on here as well. So this will appeal to some of you no doubt, but it's just not the style of music I enjoy. Review by "Mellotron Storm" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7.25 / 10

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*. Cherche-Lune .*

Album: Dun Emrys (1994)
Genre: Prog Folk (Chamber Folk/Neoclassical/Medieval)  /  France

Mediaeval,neo-classical,the heavenly voice of Clare,pastoral ambience of the highest order,reference points Loreena McKennit,Collection D'Arnell D'Andrea,Virginia Astley..... This is a French act who use a lot of strings,oboes,flutes and this seems to be their only album so far.Since its release 10 years ago they've done a lot of samplers but this stuff is pretty hard to get hold of. I got my copy straight from Paris. Funnily enough Virginia Astley has never had any of her work issued in France yet she's collected there and is a massive influence on many French artistes. 
Review by "familycat1" (Rate Your Music).

RATING:  7.25 / 10

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*. Planet P Project .*

Album: Steeltown (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Rock/Pop/AOR)  /  Germany

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Onwards
02. On The Side Of The Angels
03. If There's a Way
04. Steeltown
05. The Lady Fair
06. Heavy Water
07. The Moon Is Down
08. Daddy's Girl
09. Sailor's Song

RATING:  ????????????

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*. Demian .* (Remaster 2013)

Album: Rock Star Farm (1974)(Remaster 2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Hard Rock/Psych./Exp./Blues)  /  USA

Great and completely unknown US hard-progressive from 1974. This privately pressed and now very rare concept album was issued in 1974 by local Starbust label. It contains an excellent and quite eloquent rock opera, which sounds like The Doors meets early Bloodrock- whit trippy organ work and very fine and strong vocals similar to early David Bowie and Arthur Brown! It's very enjoyable records, with plenty of great hooks, and unusual psychedelic sounds and solid, hard rock music with a distinct, progressive tones. It's a really hard to believe that this excellent LP was never reissued before! This CD edition was mastered from the original, pristine vinyl.

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Prologue To The Dream
02. Hot Ride And The Prayer
03. Time Warp
04. Nucleus Shane
05. We Want The Witch dead
06. Where's My General ?
07. The C'Zar
08. The General / leigh Ashford
09. Snake Head
10. Acid Queen
11. No Mirror Tonight
12. Leeches At The Fairground
13. Rock Star Farm

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Rose Windows .*

Album: The Sun Dogs (2013)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Eclectic/Folk)  /  USA

Chris Cheveyo (lead composer behind Seattle, WA septet Rose Windows) is evidently a man who wholeheartedly believes there's still much ground to be broken in the musical world. On debut album The Sun Dogs, Rose Windows' eclectic mix of sounds and varied instrumentation is unable to be pinned down to any particular genre — their Facebook page describes them simply as "insufferable psychedelic garbage." Some acts these days flirt with some form of chic psychedelia, but Rose Windows fully embrace the aesthetic on tracks like "Walkin With a Woman," which sounds something like the Doors at their darkest. Yet "psychedelic" is somehow both too broad and too simple a term to define The Sun Dogs. The group draw influences not only from classic American rock'n'roll, but Eastern traditions as well, most evident on hazy number "Indian Summer." At times, The Sun Dogs sounds more like a well-aged album from a long-forgotten genre that has been rediscovered. This feeling of something ancient is instilled in The Sun Dogs, which possesses a strangely hard-to-pin-down sense of mysterious nostalgia, demonstrating that the creation of original music has not yet become a foolish ambition. Review by "Duncan Boyd" (http://exclaim.ca).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Walter Rossi .* (Reissue 2013)

Album: All the Best (2001)(Reissue 2013)
Genre: Hard Rock (Blues/Classic Rock/Prog Rock)  /  Canada

Walter Rossi is one of Canada's unsung veterans of the music scene, having been involved (without much recognition) as a musician since the mid-'60s. Rossi's first professional gig as a guitarist was with Wilson Pickett's the Soul Mates, then the Buddy Miles Express in the mid-'60s. He later joined the Montreal-based band the Influence in 1967. After one critically acclaimed album in 1968, the band split up and Rossi would go on to join a variety of bands; Luke and the Apostles (1970-71), Charlee (1972), and the Bombers (1978) before becoming a studio musician and a solo performer. Over the period between 1976-1994 Rossi released five solo albums for Aquarius Records in Canada. All the Best is the first compilation of his work from this solo period. With songs taken from all five solo albums, this compilation provides a fine introductory point for the appreciation of Rossi's talent and guitar prowess. This release by Unidisc Records is an updated version of the 1980 Aquarius Records greatest hits package, with additional liner notes and added songs to bring it up to date. ~ Keith Pettipas Recording information: 1976-1994. (www.cduniverse.com)

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Skaldowie .*

Album: Live In Germany 1974 (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Eclectic/Jazz/Art Rock/Psych.)  /  Poland

This album by the legendary Polish group Skaldowie, founded by brothers: Andrzej Zielinski (vocalist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and leader) and Jacek Zielinski (vocalist, multi-instrumentalist) presents a complete live performance of the group in Cologne, Germany, which was recorded and broadcasted by the WDR. The other group members on this album are: bassist / vocalist Konrad Ratynski and drummer Jan Budziaszek. The group´s guitarist Jerzy Tarsinski did not play on this concert for health reasons, so this is a rare opportunity to hear the group as a quartet. The music includes the more Prog and Jazz-Rock material by the group, which is performed in extended form, with long instrumental solos. A few shorter well known songs are also included in different arrangements. The most interesting piece is the early version of the group´ opus "Stworzenia Swiata Czesc Druga", which lasts for almost twenty minutes. The studio version of this piece was only recorded a couple years later and released on record another two years later. Although the sound quality of this recording is not ideal, it is quite listenable and considering the fact that almost no other live recordings from that period exist, it is of enormous importance to the group´s fans and followers. Andrzej Zielinski plays some superb Hammond and Fender piano parts, trying to cover up for the missing guitar parts. Overall this is an interesting piece of Polish Rock / Prog history and will be warmly received by connoisseurs of that scene and of course a must to the diehard fans of the band. Worth investigating! Review by "Adam Baruch" (www.adambaruch.com).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. Motoi Sakuraba .*

Album: Forest Of Glass (2008)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Classical Piano)  /  Japan

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Sign (1:36)
02. Blue Whirl (4:42)
03. Tone Blender (5:12)
04. Tears (1:41)
05. Reminiscence (6:06)
06. Broken Thought (3:23)
07. Fly! (4:02)
08. Narratage (Being This Land) (4:19)
09. Lost One? (3:59)
10. Forest Of Sorrow (1:32)
11. Maze Of Mirrors (2:53)
12. Resolution (6:09)
13. Memory In A Forest (4:44)
14. Glassy Moon (2:56)

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Kenso .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2012)

Album: Live '92 (1993)(SHM-CD Remaster 2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz Rock Fusion/Symphonic Prog)  /  Japan

CD 11 - Kenso Complete Box (2012)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. The fourth Reich /Gessha Senkoh/ Toki no imi
02. Tsuki no isoh I
03. Miscatonic
04. To Santorini
05. Oia / Kokoro no naka no kodai
06. Brando shiko / Power of the glory / Bifuka
07. Nazomei mori yori
08. Chichukai to Aryajin
09. Hyoto
10. Good days, bad days
11. Umi / Masui part II / The shadow over Innsmouth

Line-up / Musicians
Kenichi Mitsuda / keyboards
Masayuki Muraishi / drums
Kenichi Oguchi / keyboards
Shunji Sægusa / bass
Yoshihisa Shimizu / guitar

RATING:  8.25 / 10    FANTASTIC SOUND QUALITY

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*. Gens de la Lune .*

Album: Alors Joue! (2011)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Neo Prog)  /  France

The songs range from extreme Genesis sound alikes to just plain weird. The time sigs are off the scale at times and it is always adventurous taking on a myriad of genres from Symphonic to Neo. Even the wild Francis Decamps represents Fish in his stage makeup. There is a dark element to the music focussing on ethereal atmospheres, spacey effects, and heavy staccato Hammond style organ blasts that are counter balanced with tranquil acoustics and sustained keyboard pads. The raucous No Comment is a case in point, with no holds barred choppy time sigs that blend well with the moderate verses, that slow things down until the next instrumental break. Pianoforte has a very heavy guitar driven feel, with forceful vocals. I have no idea what the song is about but it sounds dark and aggressive. The title track begins with a soundscape of Genesis sounding keyboard strokes and layered instrumentation. The track encapsulates the majestic bombastic style of the band. There are many time changes and surprises along the way, but from the outset this track typifies the exuberance and unbridled progressive angle of the band. Some of the riffs on this track are stunning, and it powers along with some soloing on bass and drums, joined later by 80s sounding keyboard tones and a killer guitar break. The acoustics are prevalent on Hypocrite et Comedien, and there are some French style wind instruments that remind me of Paris. There is romance in the music and the well executed harmonies augment this atmosphere. The beauty in the vocal performance is a key feature on this track. Le Meilleur de la Fin is terrific with excessive ELP style organ and rather heavy guitar riffs. It has a multi layered vocal harmony in the verses that is complex and uplifting. The song takes on detours in many directions and ends up somewhere on another melody, but it all hangs together by the enthusiasm of the band. Overall this album is a delicious slice of symphonic prog with virtuoso performances all round. It is uncompromised in its French content but totally accessible to the prog connoisseur. I can recommend yet another band from France; despite the language barrier, the music is an enthralling adventure. The songs range from extreme Genesis sound alikes to just plain weird. The time sigs are off the scale at times and it is always adventurous taking on a myriad of genres from Symphonic to Neo. Even the wild Francis Decamps represents Fish in his stage makeup. There is a dark element to the music focussing on ethereal atmospheres, spacey effects, and heavy staccato Hammond style organ blasts that are counter balanced with tranquil acoustics and sustained keyboard pads. 
Review by "AtomicCrimsonRush" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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** Italy Prog Bands - Singles 3 **

* Roberto Righini *
Single: Mondo malato / Non era un sogno (1971)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy/Hard Rock)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Mondo Malato
02. Non Era Un Sogno
.

*******************************************

* Lydia e Gli Hellua Xenium *
Single: Guai a voi / Invocazione (1973)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych./Symphonic)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Guai a Voi
02. Invocazione
.

*******************************************

* Theodoro Re Dei Poeti *
Single: Jumbo rock/Preparati bambina (1974)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy/Hard Rock)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Jumbo Rock
02. Preparati Bambina
.

*******************************************

* Crash *
Single: Meditation / Ekstasis (1977)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Meditation
02. Ekstasis

 

***

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Xanadu .*

Album: Wczorajsze Ślady (1996)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Neo Prog)  /  Poland

The First Group of "Mariusz Duda" (Riverside)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Wczorajsze ślady
02. Tło
03. Odlot
04. Wolny
05. pralka
06. Chciałbym
07. Może zabraknie
08. ***

Line-up / Musicians
Mariusz Duda / vocals, bass
Rafał Buczek / keyboards
Jacek Ciepliński / guitar
Huber Murawski / drums, percussion

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Clannad .*

Album: Christ Church Cathedral (2013)(Live)
Genre: Prog Folk (Celtic/Irish Folk)  /  Ireland

Clannad’s live performance at Dublin’s ancient Christ Church Cathedral is now available on CD and DVD. Clannad is a seminal Irish band with a long career. For this occasion, the Celtic group focused on its earlier acoustic material, which was more appropriate for the intimate environment of the cathedral. The Irish band is well-known for its beautiful solo and harmony vocals and its mix of Irish traditional music with contemporary elements, using lyrics in Irish and English. Some of Clannad’s songs became hits in Ireland and abroad. The enduring and hauntingly beautiful ‘Theme From Harry’s Game,’ which appears in the Christ Church Cathedral concert, was also used in the popular Dialogos 3 radio show on Radio Nacional de España’s Radio 3 in Spain. This made the group extremely popular and memorable in Spain. The Christ Church Cathedral recording brings together the original Clannad lineup, featuring siblings Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan, together with their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan. The five musicians present their captivating unique style, delivering their most iconic material, including the previously mentioned ‘Theme From Harry’s Game’, ‘In A Lifetime’, ‘I Will Find You’, ‘Dulaman’, and the soundtrack to the ‘Robin of Sherwood’ TV series. “When we were asked to perform in Christ Church Cathedral we really wanted to put together a unique show that would complement the spectacular surroundings,” says Moya Brennan. “It was the first time in many years that we had played in such an intimate setting and in choosing the program it made us go right back to the earliest days of our forty years as a band, we even start the show with the first song Clannad ever played together.” As the January 29th, 2011 concert progressed, Clannad invited various guests to the stage, including famed Irish choir Anuna, singer Brian Kennedy, fiddler and vocalist Maire Breatnach, singer and fiddler Sinead Madden (from Moya Brennan’s backing band), Jane Hughes on cello, Robbie Harris on percussion and Eamonn DeBarra on keyboards. “The show is almost like a history of the band,” adds Ciaran Brenan, “starting with just the five of us on stage, as it was in the beginning, and gradually being joined by some wonderful musicians and very special guests. The backdrop of the cathedral’s architecture provided the perfect setting for us and everything just felt very special on the night.” 
Review by "Angel Romero" (http://worldmusiccentral.org).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. The Tangent .*

Album: Le Sacre Du Travail (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Eclectic/Jazz)  /  UK

I honestly had never heard a The Tangent album. I know they are somewhat legendary, and they seem rather outspoken about prog rock. I definitely was thrilled to get a chance to review this album, though. The artwork is very sophisticated, so I expected the music to be as well. I was not disappointed. This is a sprawling album, as it contains movements and two tracks that are about 20 minutes each! This album is certainly ambitious, and I think they achieved their goals for the most part. First, I'll discuss the music, but then I'll discuss the lyrical themes because they are integral to this album. The music is rather standard eclectic prog. That may seem like an oxymoron, but this album is equal parts neo-prog and symphonic prog, and there is a rather interesting dichotomy between light and dark passages. This can especially be seen in the very innocent symphonic arrangements and flutes that are very classical in nature. They are very earthy in a way, and they often dominate a song for quite some time. Then again, there are some darker, wicked moments that explore the deeper side of the lyrical themes. Instrumentally, I was particularly impressed with the lead guitar work as there are some awesome guitar lines and solos throughout this album. The synth and keys are also impressive, but are used a little more conservatively. I think this may be to get their message across a little more clearly. The vocalist, Andy Tillson, has a unique voice that is quite rough, but somehow soothing and melodic at the same time. Last, but not least, the bassist delivers some truly groovy rhythms that get your foot stomping. The Tangent has been known for their cynical lyrics for some time, as they have even been known to criticize music in their music. This album has a much grander scale in this regard, for this album is all about our work, careers, and jobs. It is about the grand futility of our every day commutes and journeys toward possessions and status. The album's title is "Le Sacre du Travail", which translates to English as "The Coronation of Work". That is quite meaningful for understanding the lyrics: The Tangent is discussing the worship of work as a means of happiness. I love the very beginning where we hear someone in the future describing the workers of the past, and how they did all these different things to be able to watch a box with pictures, to live in a box called a house, and so on and on. The point, I'm sure you see, is that we work away our lives to do nothing more than cage ourselves. We box ourselves and our thinking into one dimension of existence. Work-->sleep. Work-- >sleep. The great thing is that The Tangent has managed a mass global criticism all while delivering catching choruses, great instrumental passages, and delicate melodies. The album never gets boring, and it never gets pretentious. I think my only complaint with this album is some of the writing. Some of it does come across as cheesy; such as one part where, while speaking about the fact we can't take our riches with us after we die, Tillson bellows, "Your kids will sell it all on Ebay" a few times in a row. It's as bad as you think it would be. However, the writing is mostly good-to-great, and the overall album contains some great music along with some average-to-good bonus tracks. Apart from the well-done theme, I'm afraid this album would have been difficult to hear. However, this album is an excellent overall package that delivers thought-provoking refrains with beautiful melodies and symphonic arrangements. This is a tender album that delivers a surprising punch to the gut by way of societal commentary. This a definite listen for any prog rock fan. It is a true accomplishment in terms of scope and gentle melody, and a near masterpiece in terms of theme and composition. Review by "Second Life Syndrome" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  ?????????????

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*. Artsruni .*

Album: Komitas. Ten Revelations (2002)
Genre: Prog Folk (Acoustic Folk)  /  Armenia

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. I Am (4:16)
02. Wish (3:25)
03. Path (4:24)
04. Illusion (3:47)
05. Lovebreeze (3:47)
06. Cypresses and Cedars (4:04)
07. Autumn Night (3:08)
08. The Pavement And The Path (2:54)
09. Sweet Spring (4:54)
10. As a Fortune (4:16)

Line-up / Musicians
Vahan Artsruni - Vocal, Guitar
Anna Mailian - Vocal
Naira Abrahamyan - Vocal
Arman Manoukyan - Flute
Meruzhan Ter-Minasyan - French horn
Gevorg Dabaghyan - Duduk
Samvel Abrahamyan - Oboe
David Haroutyyunyan - Bass guitar
Levon Hakhverdyan - Percussions
Marina Kotelevskaya - Violin
Gayane Grigoryan - Violin
Elen Haroutyunyan - Violin
Nara Shahbazyan - Cello

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Haze .*

Album: Old, New, Burrowed & Blue (1986)(Live Fan Club Release)
Genre: Prog Rock (Neo Prog)  /  UK

Live Concert at the White Lion, Huddersfield, on 19 June 1983

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Nellie
02. Don't Leave Me Here
03. End of the Day
04. We Used to Know
05. Mushy Funk
06. Shadows
07. Aardvarks Superfluous
08. Baker St.
09. If Leaving Me Is Easy
10. Pick Up the Pieces (Mole Mix)
11. Far Over Misty Mountains

Line-up / Musicians
Paul Chisnell / drums, percussion, vocals
Chris McMahon / bass, keyboards, vocals
Paul McMahon / vocals, guitars
Derek Nash / sax, flute

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Anima Mundi .*

Album: Live in Europe (2012)(2 CD'S)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  Cuba

Review DVD & CD: The 18th of June 2011 will forever remain a date with only good memories. On that day I attended a concert of the Cuban prog band Anima Mundi performing for the first time live on a Dutch stage. Those who had witnessed their strong performance at the LiveProg Festival (see review) at Lakei in Helmond, saw a band that played on stage just as good as on their studio albums. Some people even called it the best live performance of 2011. Well, maybe they were right because they came and stole the hearts of the people who stayed until two o'clock in the morning. If you've seen a marvellous concert you want to relive it over and over again, but this is only possible when the band soon returns for another gig or when the performance had been filmed for a DVD. Fortunately this was the case during this festival and as a result the DVD/2CD Live In Europe has now been released. The DVD contains almost the entire live recordings of the above-mentioned show by Anima Mundi, only El Umbral was left out. This is a song from the band's debut album Septentrión (2002, see review). Another track from that album can still be enjoyed. On La Montana Del Vigir former member Anaisy Gomez was welcomed as a special guest to play the bagpipes. Obviously their latest album The Way (2010, see review) formed the principal part of this show, since the Dutch prog community really loved this album; so the entire album was performed. The live versions of these songs only slightly differ from the studio recordings. Even the long epic piece Spring Knocks On The Door Of Men got an excellent live rendition. It seemed jamming or fooling around on stage wasn't allowed. No time for improvisations, whatsoever! Everything just has to be perfect. For that reason Rhythm Of The Spheres and Sanctuary both from the album Jagannath Orbit (2008, see review) sound perfectly. They also performed The Return, a great new piece of music that will be recorded in The Netherlands for the new album. I think this album will make them even more popular in our country. A lot of time and effort were spent to make this release a valuable document. When I watched the DVD I saw much more details than being in front of the stage. The close-ups of the musicians are just perfect; it seems as if you're standing next to them watching over their shoulders how they play the instruments. You get close up images of Virginia Peraza  playing the timpani by pressing a few keys, or from Roberto Díaz playing the difficult, but beautiful guitar solo of Firth Of Fifth (Genesis), or bass player Yaroski Corredera, who gets a solo spot on Cosmic Man, or lead singer Carlos Sosa who plays on a keyboard decorated by a Cuban flag. You even get a better look at drummer Manuel Govin, hidden behind  his drum kit and occasionally smiling at the audience. This DVD contains no extra features, but that doesn't matter, because to me watching this amazing concert again is just enough. Therefore I want to compliment Dutch film maker John Vis and his crew for making a dream come true with this fabulous concert registration. It was a good choice to release an audio version on a double CD of this concert as well, especially because most people have a tendency to play the audio recordings of a concert more often than the video footage. Moreover, you can't play your DVD in the sound system of a car, can you? Be careful while driving your car and enjoying the wonderful guitar solos by Mr. Diaz. Pay attention to the traffic; you don't want to hit another car or overlook a red traffic light. You better safe your money for buying this kind of music! Both releases are worthwhile buying, especially if you want to relive a concert you have seen yourself. You might call it the perfect souvenir of a magical moment you'll never forget. But in general these releases are recommended to all prog heads out there who couldn't attend the performance of a fine Cuban band on stage on a beautiful day in June 2011! 
 Review by "Henri Strik" (www.backgroundmagazine.nl).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. Carmen Maki & Oz .*

Album: Tozasareta Machi (1976)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy/Hard Rock/Blues)  /  Japan

From ' Introduction ' Hirofumi's guitar and Masafumi's keyboard solos are so bluesy that we cannot help foreseeing the next explosion. Yep, exactly ' The Day Before Eruption '! Maki's dark but aggressive voices can encourage us against the eruption or collapse of the town where we are. In this album, each song should be a part of one story titled " An Entombed Town ". In each part Maki can show a different appearance, that can make us enjoy well! ' A Clock Without A Pendulum ' is a quiet and plaintive song with soft voices, chorus and graceful sounds. Time to pass away, and cold dreams broken away - all are into her mind - with her singing sadly. ' The Firebird ' is more bluesy, depressive we can feel strongly. Certainly her FIRE of voices should be very impressive that we can be burned easily and completely. :-P The last electric guitar solo can let us fly away to the sky. On the contrary, the next ' Lost Love ' absolutely shows her broken heart itself - for her lost love. She cannot forget the brilliant love affair at all...and alone she is walking on the street - where she and her lover had walked together. And the masterpiece, the heaviest rock punch should come here! In ' An Entombed Town ' Maki's jabs and kicks can be shot again and again as a machine gun. Only listening to this song can notify us her and their motivation and activity as a heavy rock band. Hirofumi's guitar growling like a ground rumble, and Masafumi's keyboard flowing like a stream - they are indeed great but Maki's powerful voices should be greater! We should be filled with brilliant rock gems, just at the end of ' Epilogue '. 
Review by "DamoXt7942" (http://progfreak.com).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. She Breathes Fire .*

Album: She Breathes Fire (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Alternative Metal)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Not Afraid to Die
02. Electric
03. War
04. The Broken
05. Alone in Hell
06. Not Enough
07. Misfits
08. Memories
09. Reverie
10. Angel Eyes
11. Dead Planet

Line-up / Musicians
Catie Fortner / Vocals
Seth McBay / Vocals
Matt Herring / Guitar/Vocals
Beau Purifoy / Guitar
Daniel Spayde / Bass
Corey Canady / Drums

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Not a Good Sign .*

Album: Not a Good Sign (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Art Rock/Retro Prog)  /  Italy

BIO: Not a Good Sign is a project by AltrOck and some bands’ members of the label.
Marcello Marinone, Paolo «Ske» Botta and Francesco Zago, after a successful collaboration in Yugen and Ske, propose a new blend of their musical attitudes. The result is an ominous, fascinating sound melting vintage keyboards, powerful guitars and voice, besides ethereal and autumn nuances, supported by a compelling rhythmic drive. In 2011 Botta and Zago began to write the music, and Zago provided the lyrics too. Soon Gabriele G. Colombi and Alessio Calandriello, from La Coscienza di Zeno, joined the band. The drummer Martino Malacrida completed the line-up in 2012. In these tracks many of you will recognize the Old Prog School from the 70s, but in a modern key, with a pinch of hard-rock and psych. Resonant vocal melodies and lyrics complete the gloomy but colourful imagery of the band. (www.facebook.com/notagoodsign)

Line-up / Musicians
Paolo "Ske" Botta (Yugen, Ske) / keyboards
Francesco Zago (Yugen, Ske) / guitars
Alessio Calandriello (La Coscienza di Zeno) / vocals
Gabriele Guidi Colombi (La Coscienza di Zeno) / bass
Martino Malacrida / drums
With:
Maurizio Fasoli (Yugen) / grand piano
Sharron Fortnam (North Sea Radio Orchestra, Cardiacs) / vocals
Bianca Fervidi / cello

RATING:  8.25 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. Tomita .* (Japan Remaster)

Album: Firebird (1975)(Japan Remaster 2005)
Genre: Prog Electronic (Ambient/Exp.)  /  Japan

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Introduction (Suite from "The Firebird")
02. The Firebird And It’s Dance (Suite from "The Firebird")
03. Variation Of The Firebird (Suite from "The Firebird")
04. The Round Of The Princesses (Suite from "The Firebird")
05. Infernal Dance Of King Kastchei (Suite from "The Firebird")
06. Lullaby (Suite from "The Firebird")
07. Finale (Suite from "The Firebird")
08. Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun
09. A Night On Bald Mountain

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Portal .*

Album: Blood Red Tape (2008)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Alternative Metal)  /  Canada

This is my favorite genre of music & lately what's been out there was sorely lacking. I simply love this album and have been playing it constantly for friends & music lovers. I really shouldn't make comparisons but the last album I enjoyed this much was A Perfect Circle's 13th Step. The songs really flow well from beginning to end. Your vocals & lyrics are exceptional, the percussion is phenomenal, & love the bass tempo. I could always can pick a favoite track from any album until now. Six Degrees entertains my heart; Jebel Moon & The Simple Things spark a fire in my rock soul... there is simply not a weak song in this group. I know you really put a lotta hard work into this and I for one truly appreciate the results. I've been getting the word out to look & listen to this. Great work and hope there's more coming down the road. Review by "steven creamer" (www.cdbaby.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Byron .*

Album: 30 Seconds of Fame (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover Prog)  /  Romania

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. A Crazy Ballet
02. Tummo
03. I, Human
04. Chalk Line
05. It Ain't Gonna Happen Today
06. The Game
07. Surrealistic Collage
08. Sleepwalkers
09. The Puppet
10. Running In Circles
11. What If
12. Road Trip
13. Finale

Line-up / Musicians
Dan Byron / vocals, acoustic guitars, flute, programming
6fingers / piano, keyboards, glockenspiel, demon voice on track 3
Dan Georgescu / drums, percussion
Laszlo Demeter / bass, fretless bass
Costin Oprea / electric guitars
With:
Alexander Balanescu / violin on track 13
Luiza Zan / backing vocals on tracks 2, 3, 7, 8, 10
Petre Ionutescu / trumpet on track 7
Mircea Mutulescu / oboe on track 11
Mihai Boboescu / bass on track 11
Pablo Hopenhayn / violin, viola
Juan Ignacio Emme / cello on track 11

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Anima Mundi .*

Album: The Lamplighter (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  Cuba

'The Lamplighter Suite' opens with 'On Earth Beneath the Stars' set to soft keyboards and flute. You can tell from the start that this will be another epic journey. Taking you back, this time to the sounds of 'In The Court of the Crimson King'. Well, this isn't 'Schizoid Man', but that flute and soft keyboards will definitely amaze. The welcome back, from Farrath. As if he was always there, begins, "You ask me who I am. A simple answer is always deep. I am the voice that calls hearts. When they pretend to quit". Everybody in? Yes, it's great to be back! Farrath sings, "Come to the Lamplighter house. Walk to the lighted human house". Then, yes, take it away Virginia! Amazing keyboards. The guitar work already is creating new signature sounds which will get even better further on. Off on another great adventure! 'The Call and Farewell Song' picks up the tempo. Virginia's bold marching keys will stun and amaze, as always. This may be the closest they get to 'Schizoid Man'. Farrath sings, "Pilgrims have emerged, from the labyrinth of ground". Yes, the drums will rock your walls or earphones. Farrath sings, "Farewell caress of the wind. Prophets and all men's kings. I know sleeper's dreams remain. Planets will turn once again". Reaching back through time to pull forward that feeling you get when you first heard, 'I Talk to the Wind'. Excellent lead guitar from Roberto. Yarosky Corredera's bass right there…keeping time. Farrath sings, "Unpredictable tides. Will make our ship sail and wreck sometimes". Yes, "In the Wake of Poseidon'…ok, I'll go back there with you. But this ship sails through the air, Farrath sings, "While in the core of the sun, souls cast no shadow". Now, before I go on…this is not King Crimson. Impossible…they don't have Greg Lake. But it will take you back to that period of classic prog. 'Light the Lantern of Your Heart' is the unveiling of the story and concept of the album. The flute and deep bass return like on the wings of butterflies, (to borrow a line of lyrics off 'The Way'). Excellent Genesis era keys and guitars re-open the second part of the track. Farrath sings, "Light the lantern of your heart. Everything will be embraced. By the almighty once again. Light the lantern deeper inside". Digest that for a while as Virginia lights the sky with those 'Going for the One' pipe organ sounds. Then, later, Farrath sings, "Unite this great legion of lighted heart. Come on nothing can stop us now! Gathering souls looking far beyond. Blessed eyes by wisdom and dusk. Let's defeat this tempest hailing from the dark". Just what the doctor ordered and the world needs. 'The Human House' re-opens with soft flute and keys. Farrath sings, "You already know who I am. I've left the flame with you. Wait for others. Their time will come. As once it came for you". Now sit back as Roberto's guitar and Virginia's keys blow your mind. Side one of a traditional album ends full of powerful music, emotions, and lyrics. The second side of the album, 'Tales from Endless Star Suite ', opens with the track, 'The Dream Child Behind the Mask'. This side will convince you that you just might have purchased the prog album of the year. While Steve Wilson and others are trying to create a new road for prog intertwining melodies from pop and metal, others, like Anima Mundi, Comedy of Errors, and The Watch, are going back to the roots; and re-defining the genre from its seminal beginnings. Both off to improve the sound and vibrancy of progressive rock in their own way. Then the slow intricate guitar you remember from King Crimson matched with that ethereal web of sound from 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' and other Genesis classics surrounds your ears. The slow wheel grind of this one picks up pace as Virginia's keys weave their magic to the deep sounds of Corredera's bass. Simply irresistible. Farrath sings, "Once we heard her voice that arrived, telling the tales from endless star, in timeless songs". Now that is what I have been talking about! Then, Virginia's awesome Genesis deep keys, (I only hope the next AM phase will be a Gabriel era Genesis one), before Roberto provides another mind – bending and blowing guitar experience. Then Farrath sings, "Call her dawn, call her truth. The highest secret for me and you". Just try to sit still with that guitar and stellar key extravaganza going on. Since Roberto Díaz and Virginia Peraza are the founding members of the band, it is only fitting that they each have their own showcases. 'The Return - Part I' is Roberto's. His acoustic and electric mixed guitar assault is both beautiful and phenomenal. The soft keys, drums, bass, and flute decorate the soundscape well. The 'Endless Star' opens like a journey into space, complete with otherworldly keys and wide rimmed guitar sounds. This is the longest track at over ten and a half minutes. Then Virginia turns up the volume and action on those keys. Roberto's electric guitar solos rival some of the best you have ever heard. I only wish it was endless. If it wasn't enough already…prepare for the piano dessert. Freshly filled with power drums and pounding bass. Some nice Hackett-like riffs only add to making this one of the best instrumental tracks on the album…maybe any album this year. I told you if you had patience we'd get there. 'The Return - Part II' is the epic closer for the second half of the album. Just like all the great bands, they know how to close an album well. Farrath sings, "Their eyes reflected all past glory and memories". with that glorious slow acoustic guitar and flute surrounding the soundscape. Then, just as a last reminder Roberto plucks the strings, from the memories of 'The Court'…just one more time. Thank you. Yah, I know there was an 'Epitaph' on ItCotCK, but this is the 'Epilogue', which begins with 'His Majesty Love'. Farrath sings, "His Majesty Love. The highest above. A cradle below. His Majesty Love". More excellent guitar, bass, flute and keyboards, as Farrath sings, "Cast his nature and he became. In his universal embodiment. Moves his brush and paints once more, His unfinished masterpiece of love". They close with beautiful acoustic guitar…as it should be. Easily one of the best albums of the year. The artwork by Ed Unitsky must be experienced. This small pic on our website is simply not enough. The artwork captures the theme perfectly, with the hearth representing your heart, full of flame, along with the other Earth signs. The pride and freedom of the peacock, the tenderness and transformation of the butterfly, the vivacious wisdom and attitude of the lizard, and the patience, tolerance, and evolution of the frog. Ed's art also graces the inner pages of the CD, where the lyrics unfold in front of Ed's otherworldly visions. Please, experience this record…this year. It is worth every hard earned note and idea. Progress takes time. The effort is definitely there. For those that love deep, emotional music, this is what you crave. Review by "Mark Johnson" (www.seaoftranquility.org).

RATING:  9.25 / 10   **FANTASTIC**

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*. Jean-Luc Ponty .* (Request)

Album: Imaginary Voyage (1976)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz Fusion/Exp.)  /  France

Although jazz rock fusions are often little more than virtuosity exercises diguised as songs, this is not the case. Jean Luc Ponty scapes from most jazz rock trappings with some very good compositions that actually moves the common listener even if he is not himself a musician to understand the band members techniques in general and the violinists in particular. The album´s opener, New Country, is a good exemple: country jig music that seldom appears on such kind of record, showing off Daryl Stuermer´s fantastic skills on the acoustic guitar. From then on Imaginary Voyage is more or less what you expect from a jazz rock record. Except that the songwriting is superb. The melody rarely is surpassed by those long noodlings jazz rock musicians seem so prone of. The band is a show apart: all of them fantastic musicians that later played on such different acts like Jethro Tull, Genesis, Frank Zappa, etc. They are really a band, not just a bunch of good musicians. And Jean Luc Ponty was wise enough to give them space to shine. They enriched the album a lot. A fine CD, that even non jazz rock fans will enjoy. 
Review by "Tarcisio Moura" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Kenso .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2012)

Album: Utsuroi Yuku Mono (2006)(SHM-CD Remaster 2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz Rock Fusion/Symphonic Prog)  /  Japan

CD 8 - Kenso Complete Box (2012)

Yayy. I had my precautions on this album but after a few spins I just fell into the music. The new uphill which started in 1999 Esoptron and continued through Fabulis Mirabilibus De Bombycosi Scriptis continued in Utsuroi Yuku Mono. While Esoptron offered only 3 songs of equal level to the 80/90 Kensos level, Fabulis Mirabilibus was already much better and innovative, not trying to recapture the 20 year-old spark but use the Kenso trademark-style and form it forwards. In Utsuroi Yuku Mono the hard-rock sound that was quite prominent in Esoptron and Fabulis Mirabilibus has fallen off. This album brings mostly Yume No Oka to mind, it also has more acoustic guitar and Keiko Kawashima clapping and singing (best example, the three part Codon). The new drummer Keisuke Komori proves to be an excellent choice, his drumming brings the Kenso I/II/III/Sparta drummer Yamamoto to mind. Kind of quirky fusion-like but cautios not the Bruford-like drumming. Utsuroi Yuku Mono has seventeen tracks from which seven tracks are under 3 minutes long. All of them have the energy and innovativity of a prog-epic squished into three minutes. The rest are 3-5 minute long pieces and then the best piece on the album "GOS" an eight-minute long piece showing the best that the modern Kenso can achieve. Anyways this is for me the best Kenso album since Yume No Oka and that's pretty good for a prog-band so old as Kenso. Review by "BrainStillLife" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  9 / 10   **Marvellous**  FANTASTIC SOUND QUALITY

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