FLIGHT OF THE ANGEL

By this point of his career Pohjola has changed his approach to compositions and arrangements. His last few albums have increasingly displayed gloomy, darker and melancholic moods that I didn't find very uplifting when compared with earlier works. Then again, the odd, lively tune with screeching guitars would emerge unexpectedly here and there.

On "Flight of the Angel" he seems to excel yet again, quite successfully combining markedly different moods on the same all instrumental album. A quirky, jumping starting track soon turns into a serious workout followed by the beautiful, haunting melody of the title track. "Il Carillion" provides an interesting bridge to "Pressure". True to its title this throbbing, pulsating piece is soon turning into spirited playing laced with mega heavy and furious guitars that - surprisingly - don't come across as anything to do with Metal at all. "Beauty and the Beast" starts with dramatic sounds that would serve as an appropriate backdrop to a modern ballet of such title. Again, this tune also culminates with dynamic, but somewhat more structured playing.

Excellent compositions with a good balance and professional delivery represents Pohjola's last truly great album. Highly recommended.