ENGINES OF CREATION

Anyone who likes their Prog on the heavier side without straying into the realms of Prog Metal could do worse than check out Engines of Creation, the latest release from Galleon, a Neo-Prog band from Sweden. What we get here is a concept album with a technological theme or should that be anti-technology running through it. For example they touch on the imposing nature of surveillance cameras and in the track Men and Monsters state that they are the same thing amongst other topics.

The band are good players, required to carry off the dynamics and twists and turns of many of the tracks. Ulf Pettersson's Keyboard sounds range from modern synths to Mini-Moog and Vox Organ and Sven Larsson's Guitar is well to the fore with strong fluent playing. Drummer Goran Johnsson is no slouch either and finds his way round his instrument effortlessly as does Bassist Goran Fors who also provides more than adequate Vocals. Additional female backing vocals are provided by Tanja Hedlund.

My favourite track is the previously mentioned Men and Monsters which is the longest piece on the album at just under ten minutes giving the band ample opportunity to stretch out. Jazz influenced parts works well complimenting the heavier instrumental second half of the song. However, the material is strong throughout with many excellent tracks, particularly The Assemblers, title track Engines of Creation and closing track Lightworks, another mini Epic.

I was torn between 3 and four stars for this album and eventually decided on a well deserved 3 ½. This band are well worth checking out.