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Nodo Gordiano - Flektogon CD (album) cover

FLEKTOGON

Nodo Gordiano

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

3.85 | 71 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
3 stars This is the third studio album from this Italian band. Their previous album was more a jam party and as such could hardly be described as a full studio effort.

A few weeks ago, I received a message (from Glover) asking me if I would like to receive this CD from the band. I responded positively of course and since I was shipped this record FOF, I promised to review it on PA.

This work holds a lot of technical skills and leans towards the eclectic genre: music is rich, complex, maybe difficult to apprehend at first sight (one definitely needs several listening to get the essence from "Flektogon").

The best reference I can compare them with is KC. Dark and heavy moods combined with (few) symphonic passages. The opener "Theatro Di Memoria" is indeed very theatrical; this effect is mostly due to the high pitched (almost opera like) vocal parts. But the instrumental interludes are rather heavy. A very good but scary start (with great drumming).

The next track is an instrumental and more an experimental piece with a deep Far-Eastern taste combined with lots of percussions. It is the first part of "Ozymandias". I don't understand why they divided this track into two parts though. The second leg is a faithful continuation of the first one. This piece reminds me of the atmosphere of their "Alea" work. Somewhat too avant-garde for my ears.

The "pièce de résistance" is obviously the epic "Avventure Di Mastarna". The powerful sounds available during the opener are again heavily rendered in the excellent introduction of this thirty minute piece of music.

Crimson is very much present, and to imagine that the music produced is the result of only two musicians is quite remarkable. It remains quite heavy till the eighth minute or so, while the mood calms down and offers some good symphonic prog. Quiet piano, nice cymbal work and nice synths for this haunting section.

The next section is not my preferred one I must say: fully free-jazz oriented and quite hectic. Fortunately some pastoral fluting comes at the rescue to make this track a little lighter and varied. Still, I would have liked more parts like this one. The whole is pretty dark. The closing section and its Oriental mood is again quite catchy and impressive (bass and drumming are fantastically well played).

My fave song (together with the opening number) is the oppressive and repetitive "Zeitgeist". The influence is also pretty easy to determine (but I mention this already).

The accent is quite on percussions throughout the album. The whole ranges between eclectic/heavy prog. The music is quite sophisticated and not easily accessible. It is also almost instrumental.

"Flektogon" is definitely a special album and displays musical moments that are certainly worth a spin. But be warned: this is not for everybody.

Three stars.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 |

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