NOSTRADAMUS BOOK OF PROPHECIES

A CD to discover ! If you are looking to something very different of what exists, with a mix of retro and modern sounds, this is a sure beauty. One of my friends sent that to me, for a try. He bought it after hearing a few extracts here and there, and counting on the descriptions brought on this actual site ! I listened... and ordered a copy rightaway. One is always tempted to copy, but (no no no) this one is a CD to have in a serious prog collection. I personally like to go for compilations of a lot of things, and this Solaris CD is in my Top-5 CD's, along with some very classic/old/masterpieces ! Solid enough to be among the best. In my view, I refer to those that you see in the present ProgArchives All-time Top-100.

OK. The characteristics. First, there is no weak track ! Everyone is important to be included in the mix. The overall result is perfect, and the main quality is : good from the first track to the last, no exception, which is very rare... The general concept is felt.

There is a strong unity in the music displayed here. The guitar and the keyboard are often linked to answer each other. It is melodic, even if the very few lyrics are in latine !! They have put the music upfront, where the splendid flutist Attila gets a key role. He just plays genious, and (for Jethro Tull fans) he sounds very different. The addition of such an artist's sound is hard to beat. The atmosphere is unique, as the flute fits perfectly in the rhythmic music performed. Since the main theme is around a very old background, you feel the mysteries from the past across the band's music. There is a curious feeling when you sense the sounds go through those historic prophecies. They were able to reflect this in the music ! Marvelous job. There are no tricky odd rhythms, but there are very good tempo variations. Sometimes low-profile, sometimes powerful unity. The only little 'gray' thing I would say is that sometimes, they repeat a musical theme four times, probably because of the time-signature. But easy to forgive, when you are in the ambiance of the entire CD. The next musical section links all that together.

It is easy to listen and I have been like others here : you like it immediately. It is symphonic, well balanced, mostly instrumental, with moments of energy and the important presence of Attila. The musicians are most talented. The CD is a super musical gem, and it is so apart of anything in the symphonic world. It has been surprising for me to hear such a beautiful opus, very sensitive, intensely musical. The 5-star description mentions that it has to be essential, a masterpiece to the prog rock music.... Indeed here ! And so different, refreshing !