MUNDUS INCOMPERTUS

It's strange to see how little recognition PÄR LINDH PROJECT received, their music is structurally perfect from start to end, adapts his style to any Classical Era he wants (In this case to Baroque), adds pure Symphonic and strong Heavy Rock elements,and yet only a couple of reviews. But if we add the fact that PÄR LINDH is a solid Classical Organ performer and responsible for the existence of Symphonic Prog today, this guys should have a monument.

"Mundus Incompertus" is after "Gothic Impressions" my favourite album, mainly because PÄR LINDH'S undeniable skills in the organ is at last complete supported by an outstanding band that helps to create the perfect atmosphere always, but taking good care to keep a sober and academicsound.The pomp is in the music, not in exaggerate performances, nothing is ever out of it's place, but still frenetic, innovative and radical.

"Baroque Impressions N° 1" stars with an impressive church organ solo that reminds of "Bach" in every instant, but suddenly and out of nowhere Jocke Ramsell adds his almost metallic guitar to remind us we're on Rock territory, every note is played with surgical precision, we're jumping back and forth from the 1700 to 1977, and the violin of Inge Thorsson adds the perfect complement.

But about the third minute, the balance changes, we're on frenetic Hard Rock style with the Hammond being the star and if this wasn't enough PÄR LINDH adds his unique 12-string guitar, perfection and balance from start to end.with another Baroque organ coda.

"The Crimson Shield" starts acoustic with the sweet voice of the late Magdalena Hagsberg" guitar and Clavinet, the melody is somehow unusual for this frenetic band, absolutely melodic and paused.

Normally people talk about the similarities between the Swedish master and Keith Emerson, but to be honest I find very few, while Keith is pompous and excessive, Par is calmed and sober, a real genius in a different way.

But the best is yet to come, the 26:43 minutes epic "Mundus Incompertus" brings us everything the band has in their arsenal, starting with a beautiful vocal passage again by Magdalena, they start a extravaganza that brings us from the Gothic period to the Baroque in a matter of seconds, but the impressive drumming of Nisse Bielfeld is what keeps the integrity of the song, the rest of the instruments may wander anywhere, but Bielfeld always keeps the track like a human metronome.

From this point to the end, expect anything, organ solos in Gothic style, jazzy passages, dramatic violin, chorus, frenetic guitar, solid bass, excellent arrangements and radical changes, with outstanding Piano, Moog and Mellotron, in other words pure Progressive Rock.

In my opinion any rating bellow 5 stars is unfair, a perfect masterpiece, maybe a bit too short, but I select quality over quantity any time.