FORGOTTEN INSIDE

Mavara are definitely a pionner in the Rock scene of Iran.The band was formed by keyboardist Farhood Ghadiri in Karaj in 2001 and was a regular performer around the Tehran and Karaj areas.The group suffered from line-up changes in its early stages, but in 2005 they managed to release their debut ''Ultimate sound'', sung in Persian with gifted singer Ashkan Hamedi on vocals.Four years later the band takes its first attempt on releasing an album in English.Year of release 2009 and the title was ''Forgotten inside''.

Several spins later you will definitely recognize the band had made the right choice.''Forgotten inside'' is a beautilful little treasure with sensitive melodies, accesible music and excellent vocals by Hamedi, the man has a unique voice, which sounds hoarse and emotional at the same time.Regarding the music, the album does not go after any prize of complexity or intricacy.This is pretty easy-going material with a creative style, flirting with Melodic Rock, Neo Prog, Electronica and even a bit of Post Rock and Alternative Rock, clearly influenced by Hogarth-era MARILLION and PORCUPINE TREE.The tracks are basically guitar-driven with nice rhythmic parts, cool solos and careful riffs around, while the keyboards play a rather supporting role to add some depth to the sound.The overall style reminds strongly of some Polish lyrical groups like MILLENIUM, ANANKE or LOONYPARK.As so, Mavara's textures are characterized by lovely lyrical soundscapes with a smooth instrumental background, but when needed they really can rock their boots out with more fiery and pronounced electric guitars.The material is trully memorable and well-composed with some pretty great songwriting.

A nice suprise from a land you shouldn't expect.Atmospheric Neo/Art/Melodic Prog with fantastic vocals and often monumental guitar parts.Strongly recommended, this band deserves your attention...3.5 stars.