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This Norwegian outfit was formed back in 1994 and
in the year of 1999 they release their self- financed
debut cd. The cd has 5 songs, four tracks are vocal
based while one song is an instrumental. Stylewise
this is prog rock of high caliber.
The cd starts off with the almost 8 minute long
"A waiting lotus". The song create a great atmosphere
to it by using both clean and distorted guitars. The
vocals of O. E Johnsen is laidback, but suits the
music very well. The song has some very cool instrumental
parts and the variation is good. The complexity
and technical playing is nicely fit into the song, without
any exaggeration.
Track two "Purified Mind" has a very cool opening riff,
which is also the basic riff for the great chorus.
Again good variation, and they show on this song that
they`re able to make good mellow parts as well as more
driving uptempo technical stuff. There is a good instrumental part in
the middle with excellent drumming and guitars.
Track three "Incognito" is an instrumental track, the song
has a good melody to it and is more technical compared
the other songs. I especially like the slow part in the
song which has some superb melodic guitars, bass and
cool drumming technique.
The two following songs continue the same style as the two opening
tracks. Both good songs.
The first thing I noticed about this cd is the superb production. For an
independent release the production is outstanding. Every instrument come
to its right, crystal clear.
If I were to put my finger on anything, it would be that the vocals of
O. E Johnsen is perhaps a bit "safe". Although the vocals is by no means
weak, it would be cool to hear more variation, perhaps adding more power
to the songs once in a while. On the other hand I very much enjoyed this
piece of plastic, the songs, the variation, the playing and the
production is good. Especially the technical stuff and
the Rush- like arrangements are top notch, and are also
something they should hold on to.
I rate this album to 7,5 points out of 10. This is a very
good debut album, and lovers of quality prog rock should
check this one out. These guys have a great potential and
I`m eagerly awaiting a full album. Good work guys !
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