PHLEGETHON

KINGCROW are from Italy and this is their most recent album called "Phlegethon". It's a concept album about a guy who is quite dysfunctional and we follow him through the different experiences he goes through in his life that in turn change his personality. They have a new singer and bass player for this one. I must admit i've been slow to really embrace this one and I think it's because the concept takes priority much of the time, but having said that I just am so impressed with most of this album. I was wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars but decided on the latter because this is just too good, and I can tell it's still growing on me. But no this hasn't blown me away or anything like that.

"The Slide" opens with the sounds of waves as synths come in and create atmosphere. Piano after a minute followed by a full sound. Vocals too. Love the drums to end it. "Timeshift Box" is a really good instrumental with some great sounding guitar. One of my favs. "Islands" is another keeper. Laid back guitar and vocals early but then it all gets fuller and I like the bass here a lot. It ends like it began. "The Great Silence" has some Gilmour- like guitar as it builds. It turns heavy. "Lullaby For An Innocent" has more laid back guitar as reserved vocals and piano join in.The harmonies remind me of FLOYD.The guitar soars at times. Check it out 3 1/2 minutes in. "Evasion" has some deep bass and prominant drumming and other sounds. Synths roll in then heavy guitar. Oh yeah ! Vocals sound processed. An pretty good track. "Numb" is relaxed with a beat and synths as reserved vocals join in. It kicks in before 2 1/2 minutes with guitar. Slow riffs come in as it settles back.

"Washing Out Memories" is mellow with vocals until it kicks in after 2 minutes thankfully. "A New Life" is bright sounding to start.The guitar proceeds to rip it up 1 1/2 minutes in (nice) then it settles back. "Lovocaine" is dark as the guitar comes in. It reminds me of TOOL here.Vocals join in.The song continues to pick up then settle back.This is one of the better tracks. "Fading Out Pt.III" also sounds really good. Intricate guitar to start but it turns heavy quickly and vocals join in. I like the vocal melodies and rough sounding vocals on this one. Haunting atmosphere after 5 1/2 minutes.Great tune. "Phlegethon" is the longest track at close to 10 minutes in length. Kicking ass to start then it settles down just before a minute.Vocals are almost spoken when they arrive and it's dark and atmospheric. Guitar and vocals become more passionate.The guitar is grinding away after 6 1/2 minutes.Waves and piano 8 minutes in as it calms right down.Waves only ends it just like the album began.

If I take the time to get into the concept I know this will be a solid 4 stars. I'm just not there yet. A low 4 stars for now.