REFLEJOS DE UN ENCIERRO

MR. HYDE was founded in Valparaiso in 2007. Unlike many other prog bands from Chile, they didn't orientate to the ordinary Symphonic or Neo Prog with vocals, but to fairly original and eclectic instrumental prog. The quartet of guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer went straight ahead into composing work, and in the beginning of the following year they had a live set of their own material. A self-released EP Nuevos Aires came out in 2008.

The band's sole album Reflejos de un Encierro deals with themes of loneliness and isolation. The soundscapes are very delicate and nuanced. The ambientish opening track 'Despertar' features a delay guitar that reminds the listener of Pink Floyd. 'Rebaños' starts as a classical piano solo and later approaches metal, and the very sensitive 'Vigilia' contains beautiful flute played by a guest musician. Elsewhere on the album there are also some psychedelic, heavy or experimental moments, but the whole doesn't feel uncoherent, quite the contrary, it feels very thoughtful.

A very fine instrumental prog album, so it's a pity there are hardly any reviews.