INTO THE SUNSET

Most people recognize Erik Norlander under power metal scene because his association with Lana Lane as well as his collaborative effort with Arjen Lucassen of AERYON fame. This second album "Into The Sunset" has similar style with Aeryon where the contribution of melody is crucial in the music. This is what so called song-orientated music. Having oriented on song this album generates music that can be digested by those who love straight rock music. In addition to that, Erik brings forward famous singers like Glenn Hughes (of Deep Purple fame), Edward Reekers (of Kayak fame). The appearance of Arjen Lucassen creates music style which is quite similar with Lucassen's Aeryon.

The album starts nicely with an excellent instrumental "Sunset Prelude" (3:17) which sets the overall tone of the album. It's quite interesting introduction / overture. It flows seamlessly to "Into The Sunset" (5:34) which basically a nice upbeat music in power metal style but in a digestible way. Having been blasted with two energetic tracks the music flows into third track with more energy in "Rome Is Burning" (6:05). Vocal department demonstrates its best in this composition and moves it all the way, beautifully, from beginning to end.

"Fanfare For The Dragon Isle" (0:50) serves like a bridge to connect beautifully to another excellent track "Fly" (7:53). This track has a great keyboard work in the vein of Rick Wakeman and very nice melody sung by Lana Lane. This is probably the track that most people would enjoy listening to it because it's really catchy and has a great composition. I like the musical break where Erik plays piano solo. Right after this piano solo he plays keyboard in Keith Emerson style followed with keyboard solo in Wakeman solo. "Dreamcurrents" (4:38) has a solid classical component with solo keyboard / piano combined with cello.

"Lines In The Sand" (5:11) is another excellent track with Hughes takes the lead vocal work. The key characteristic of this song is the solid rhythm section containing nice guitar riffs combined with nice keyboard solo. The Lucassen style is so obvious here. I really like this song because the combined guitar riffs and keyboard solo plus nice singing melody are really beautiful. "On The Wings Of Ghosts" (10:29) starts ambient with sound effects and cello work followed nicely with piano work and the music that blast after it. Erik demonstrates his skills in organ sound and keyboard here. The intro part is really fabulous.

Overall, this album is really interesting in terms of blending the rhythm section which is mainly guitar riffs produced by Arjen Lucassen, song melody, and keyboard solo. There is no such weak song from start to end. All of them flow nicely from start to end and make a pleasant listening. The energy produced by the music is very good. Keep on proggin' ?!

Peace on earth and mercy mild ? GW