*. Mea Vita .*

Album: Меня здесь нет (2010)(EP)
Genre: Gothic Rock (Darkwave/Ethereal/Neoclassical)  /  Russia

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Magic
02. Ночь
03. Меня здесь
04. Phantasmagoria
05. Снежинки
06. Я помню

Line-up / Musicians
Felis / composer, keyboards, vocals
Lila / composer, keyboards, vocals
Winter / music, guitar

RATING:  6.75 / 10

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*. Three Thirteen .*

Album: Remains (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Eclectic/Jazz/Pop/Exp./Ambient)  /  USA

An Eclectic blend of Progressive Rock, pop, jazz and orchestral music. Soulful, rhythmic, lush, and meaningful. Three Thirteen returns in fine form with their ninth cd release, REMAINS. The full musical variety of the Three Thirteen project can be experienced in this nearly 70 minute trip. Opening with the instrumental, poly-rhythmic, ethnically influenced groove-epic, "Iridium Dance #4", the listener moves through a range of musical styles within the first four tracks. "Brisk Breeze", a jazzy, nimble piece, followed by the bombastic progressive rock-pop ballad, "The Here and the Why", then finally we conclude the first half of our journey with the soulful and moody "Enigma". The remaining seven pieces fall under one title; "The Catherine Mountain Suite". Each part of this epic addresses the thoughts, feelings and ideologies of several different individuals and their relationship to the mountain. The "Introduction" piece acts as a leading bookend to the five lyrical songs which follow. The suite concludes with the beautiful yet bitter sweet title track, "Remains". (www.cdbaby.com)

RATING:  ???????????

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*. The Asteroid #4 .*

Album: The Windmill of the Autumn Sky (2013)(EP 6 Track's)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Neo Psych./Blues/Folk)  /  USA

One of the progenitors of Philly's "Psychedelphia" scene at the turn of the century, Asteroid #4 have made a long career out of putting their spin on 60's-style psychedelic music, but 'The Windmill of the Autumn Sky' finds the band--mostly acoustic this time around--looking to folk and country as much or more so than the Summer of Love, and the results are thoroughly stellar. This may seem like a knock, but much of the EP sounds like what I'd imagine a country/folk album from Oasis to have sounded like. But Asteroid #4 add enough trippy melodies and background atmospherics to keep most any psych music fan fed and happy. Some of the songs have somewhat of a medieval feel to them, especially in the lyrics--concerning kings, queens, dungeons, maidens, etc--and when mixed with the languid, folky rhythms and melodies, gives these songs their own unique, dreamy vibe. The instrumentation on songs like the title track, "Oubliette," and "All Time Green" could even be described as "beautiful," with poetic, heartfelt lyrics blending with the intertwining acoustic melodies perfectly. And even though the lyrics venture into Moody Blues or Fairport Convention-type "Renaissance Fair" territory, they never approach cheesiness, and are actually quite powerful when combined with the simple, melodic hooks--hooks that are frequently laden with strings, slide guitar, and faint-yet-hypnotic pedal effects. 'The Windmill of the Autumn Sky,' though only 26 minutes long, will likely transport the listener to a euphoric, dream-like fantasy world, one that's hard to come down from. It's a bit early to say definitively, but I'd go so far as to say that this is my favorite release by Asteroid #4 to date, and I'm a pretty big fan. It has a maturity to it, yet never sacrifices adventurousness. This EP shows a band morphing into their own, original entity as opposed to just mixing (to excellent effect) 60's-ish melodies and dreamy shoegaze, and it's a sound I definitely want more of. Review by "Jack Tripper" (www.amazon.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Lind Erebros .*

Album: Elven Oratory: Noldolante (2011)(Reissue 2013)
Genre: Symphony Orchestral (Fantasy Music/Folk/Choir)  /  Russia

"Elven Oratory" in memory of JRR Tolkien is a blend of guitar-instrumental fantasy epic power ballads with the Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the Bolshoi Academic Choir. Most of the lyrics written in rare Oratorio Elvish language Quenya, but there are also English lyrics. Musical history describes a few chapters from the book of Tolkien "The Silmarillion".

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Maeglor's Cry
02. Noldolante
03. Blizzard
04. Reinforcements has Arrived
05. Elven Warsong
06. Fingon goes to Tangorodrim
07. Banner with the Star
08. As Black Raven and White Eagle
09. Dagor Bragollach
10. Black Swarm
11. Nirnaeth Arnoediad
12. Last Sunrise
13. Fingolfin
14. Land Where Flowers Grow

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. The Inner Road .*

Album: Ascension (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Symphonic Prog)  /  UK

"Ascension" is The Inner Road's second album, coming quite rapidly on the heels of 2011's remarkable "Visions", an instrumental symphonic masterpiece that garnered rave reviews worldwide, yours truly included, in total rapture. As is always the case with momentous albums, how do you get it done again without falling into repetitive formula yet still keeping the creative spirit alive and well? On this stunning sophomore release, keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist Steve Gresswell has joined up with guitarist Jay Parmar, whose style differs greatly from previous fret colleague Phil Braithwaite's more Latimer-esque elegance, preferring a distinctly obvious oriental style, infused with dazzling harder sizzles recalling axe maestros Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. As much as Visions was way more pastoral, almost Anthony Phillips ?like, this new album is positively bursting at the seams with razor sharp , sledgehammer riffs that have a palpable Andalucian feel, the Moorish tinges are frequent and ultimately very satisfying. A new direction with even more accomplished symphonics is a laudable adventure and rewards the demanding audiophile with unlimited bliss. While preferring real drums to the programmed variety, it must be said that the mechanical beat box is well crafted and does not diminish in any way the eloquent music being presented. The title track wastes little time in beginning the climb , as it has that seductive combination of grandiose and bombastic, loaded with huge instrumentation showcasing Gresswell's arranging talents, as well as providing some sensational piano and synthesizer work. Parmar is unafraid to rock hard and fast, choirs ablaze in the background. There is a definite celestial quality that fits the "Ascension" theme perfectly, a potent feeling of delightful exploration. "The Steel Sky" as the title implies has a dual tinge of harsh and delicate, a beauty and the beast syndrome that is ultimately a hallmark idiosyncrasy of classic progressive design. Bulldozer riffs, slippery synths, rollicking bass and swerving, screeching melodies. The whole bullied by some steamroller double bass drum programming in order to keep the pot boiling. "Two Worlds, Two Tomorrows" throws in some backing mellotron samples, a direct main melody that scours the soul , giving Parmar a solo spotlight to demonstrate his considerable skills, whilst bathed by Gresswell's glittering arrangement complete with soft synth lines and a breezy little section that gives even more room for reflection. "Altered Reality" has a distinctive bluesy feel, as Jay explodes over the symphonic arrangement laid down by Steve's lush orchestrations with a rowdy and exuberant growl that will please axe fiends of every persuasion. The programmed drumming is as expert as on Visions, never sounding too mechanical but the real clincher is the use of a brief massive choir work imbued with Oldfieldian grace and elegance. This is the definition of "beautiful", yet bold, passionate and offering up crisp contrasts to keep the listener on edge, palpitating! "Troubled Memories" continues in the same magnificent vein, bristling notes amid a sizzling mood, the exotic lead guitar line carving out a dreamy cycle of sound, pushed along by some mighty bass pummeling, drums akimbo and synths curtaining the stage. There is a slight feeling of dread, anguish and despair that is utterly palpable, showing the musicians predilection for emotive expression. It's not just overt "chopzilla" but songs with moody depth. I admit being a total sucker for this kind of instrumental genius and I do kneel at the shrine! "A Fleeting Dream" further consolidates the wealth of sounds displayed on the album, abounding in trembling fret distortion that tickles the senses, the instrumental prowess is truly remarkable. While technically demanding, the guitar soloing displays a spirit of continued adventurism that keeps the listener with bated breath, never quite knowing where the next flurry of notes will travel to. Parmar squeezes out all kinds of cat meows and rivet- popping phrasings from his emboldened instrument. The tremendous "The Awakening" has a slight electronica feel, pinging synths and ponging guitar phrasings both with undisputed authority, bathed in a complex swath of sound, a delicious tinge of dissonance giving the piece an organic feel. Those subtle choir-like effects only add drama and arousal to the mix, suave little details that makes the music breathe and exalt. The final section reverts to the mechanical synthesizer monolith and provides the platform for some juicier soloing, Parmar torturing his instrument with delirious glee. Fabulous track! The epic 10 minute+ "Flight through Eternity" ends this marvel with even more daring, as Parmar provides some unexpected sitar-like allusions amid his axe ramble, a quirky little detail that only serves to highlight the creativity behind the band's philosophy. The lengthy guitar solo is sensational, a bluesy performance that is ultra-cool, not only technically dazzling but also emotionally adept at pushing those hard to reach buttons. Just like the preceding 'Visions', The Inner Road have crafted another memorable progressive avenue of instrumental splendor, full of playful exploits and dreamy atmospherics. This time the mood was more animalistic and impulsive, creatively aggressive and sonically impressive. I cannot fathom anyone not being impressed with this dream work, I daresay even our prog-metalloid cousins would enjoy this immensely and intensely. Certainly Symph fans but also guitar fan boys will rise to the applause! Of course, the artwork is spectacular once again, offering up a prog collector's fantasy of audio and visual art forms. 
Review by "tszirmay" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  ???????????

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*. Good Morning .*

Album: Sister Rain (2011)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Folk/Acid/Fuzz)  /  Sweden

Fuzz, folk, rock, acid,  Keybords, female vocalist, psychedelic, jamming,  synth sounds here and there. Sometimes darker, sometimes harder , sometimes spaced out ... but allways awesome...... records like this,  highly rated by me. Review by "mikemusiclover" (Rate Your Music).

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Home Carpenter (17:39)
02. Sister Rain (10:25)
03. Morrigan (8:07)

RATING:  8.25 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. Genesis .* (Japan Remaster 2013)

Album: Nursery Cryme (1971)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  UK

In 1971, Genesis release their first masterpiece, "Nursery Cryme", an album that went down in history as one of the finest Symphonic Prog releases ever. After 40 years, the album has not lost any of it's magic, and continues to stun new and old fans. "Trespass", the sophomore LP, gave a much more clear vision of how Genesis will become: it's melodies, it's atmosphere, were typical of the band's style that is known today. But with "Nursery Cryme", the maturity level is complete, giving a wonderful mix of atmospheric passages and beautiful, haunting melodies. What clearly improved compared to the sophomore LP is the musicianship, much more precise and detailed, without ever having any goofs. "Foxtrot", the next album released the following year, will have some of the best and most original musicianship that has been heard in any piece of music, so it's just wonderful knowing that "Nursery Cryme" Genesis have barely started in stunning the audiences. The slower passages are very present in the album, very frequently accompanied by Peter Gabriel's intimate vocals, or some additional instrumentation such as flute or mellotron. These calmer moments are kind of a trademark for this album in particular: the enlivened moments are here, but they still have a somewhat similar feel to the slower ones. "Nursery Cryme" might just be the most delicate, intimate, playful album Genesis have ever released: however, like it was previously mentioned, the maturity is here, so the innocence is exquisitely mixed with haunting, beautiful moments, that suggest quite the opposite, especially in the opening track "the Musical Box", now regarded as one of the great tracks of the band. "Nursery Cryme" is a dare-to-open box of toys, that any child can open, but his innocence will be gravely endangered, as there is in it the adult world. It's almost like a coming-of-age album: You will not be the same, when you have properly listened to this masterpiece. The magic seems to never end in these 39 minutes, but they pass so quickly, you wish they were more. The ten minute opener "The Musical Box" is probably the most haunting, complete, and eclectic song off the entire album, featuring slow, mysterious moments, and bursts of guitars, keyboards, and intense drumming. It simply has it all, with an incredibly thought provoking structure. "The Return Of The Giant Hogweed" is the most theatrical song off the album, very brave, with enchanting melodies, and a gigantic sound as well,that will even terrify you in some moments. The shorter songs, from the interlude "For Absent Friends" to another perfect song, "Harold the Barrel" and the gentle "Harlequin". "The Fountain Of Salmacis" and "Seven Stones" are other complex, seven minute songs that provoke and move at the same time, making both of them, like all the other songs here, priceless experiences. The power of Progressive Rock is that an album itself can bring you to a fantastic, surreal world. The universe of "Nursery Cryme" is one of the most vivid and credible ones: one of the great albums of Symphonic Prog, a masterpiece that hasn't aged a bit, and probably never will be. Review by "EatThatPhonebook" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  9.5 / 10   **Marvellous**  FANTASTIC SOUND QUALITY

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