MISSA ATROPOS

Man this band is on a roll with three excellent albums in a row now. From 2007's "Night" to "Tick Tock" and now "Missa Atropos". Like the last album this is a concept album, this one's about a man who seeks to satisfy the Greek goddess Atropos with a mass he creates for her in an abandoned lighthouse. Atropos apparently in Greek mythology is the one who decides when and how you die. I'm sure the mass was fantastic. As usual with Norway's GAZPACHO we get that melancholic laid back mood with lots of atmosphere. By the way there is a new drummer for this one.

"Mass For Atropos" opens with atmosphere and signal sounds like we are in space. A transmission can be heard in the background. Keys, vocals and more follow. Lots of atmosphere as usual. "Defense Mechanism" opens with vocals and drums.The guitar arrives as it kicks in, then it settles back again as contrasts continue. I like when it builds with vocals before 5 1/2 minutes. "I Was Never Here" opens with keys, vocals and cymbals. Atmosphere too. Drums after a minute as it settles in and vocals continue. Nice. "Snail" puts the focus on the vocals but there's lots of sound and atmosphere.The guitar, drums and bass standout when the vocals stop. "River" opens with percussion and keys then vocals come in before a minute. It's more powerful before 2 minutes but not for long although these contrasts continue. It's building after 5 minutes to end it. Great stuff. "Mass For Artopos II" opens with atmosphere and piano. Sounds like mellotron. Amazing ! At the end this woman can be heard speaking out different numbers just like at the end of the "Even Less" by PORCUPINE TREE.

"Missa Atropos" sounds incredible as the vocals speak the lyrics. So much atmosphere. Strings after 2 minutes when the vocals stop. He's back and singing as the tempo picks up. I love when it settles back again. Heavy after 5 minutes especially the guitar. "She's Awake" is mellow with keys to start.Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. It starts to pick up some 2 minutes in. Strings a minute later with plenty of atmosphere. "Vera" opens with intricate drumming, guitar and keys. Vocals before a minute. It then turns fuller. Nice bass before 3 minutes. Great sound 5 1/2 minutes in. Piano only ends it. "Will To Live" opens with keys and vocals. Atmosphere rolls in then bass, guitar and drums. "Mass For Atropos III" sounds like a male choir or mellotron choirs. Whatever it is it sounds so good. "Splendid Isolation" opens with sounds that echo and atmosphere. A beat with vocals before a minute. Strings too. Some nice bass and it's heavier before 3 1/2 minutes. It settles back then gets heavy again as contrasts continue. "An Audience" opens with guitar, vocals and a beat. A very relaxed sound. It's fuller 1 1/2 minutes in. Piano only ends it.

GAZPACHO seem to be a band like PINEAPPLE THIEF that has many detractors.This is very latter day MARILLION sounding but more dynamic and I love it.