IN THE WAKE OF EVOLUTION

I'll go out on a limb and, only a third of the way through the year, declare this album one of the best of 2010. The songs are lush, spectacular and energetic, and the performance, by all involved is first rate. There is even no drop off at guitar, with Per Nilsson (for a second album) in place of Roine Stolt. Bassist Jonas Reingold (of The Flower Kings) and drummer Morgan Ågren far outshine the original rhythm section of Kaipa.

The songs are powerhouse examples of strong symphonic progressive rock. Even the two weaker songs, Arcs Of Sound and The Seven Oceans Of Our Mind have great instrumental sections.

The recording quality is crisp and perfect. It would take a real curmudgeon to dislike this album.