ROKUS TONALIS

Dmitry Lukianenko is a Russian pianist/composer,who was interested in rock music since his childhood.He had been keyboardist for the metal bands Dorian Gray and Ars Band,before returning to class,studying this time composition.In 1999 he was parts of the metal band Masquerage,which released only one sinle.From this point Dmitry focused on composing his own work with elements from classical and rock music.Under the name AVIVA his first album ''Rokus Tonalis'' was released on Musea in 2007,based on Paul Hindemith's Ludus Tonalis.

With only a slight help by a guitarist,all keyboards,bass and drum programming is responsibility of Lukianenko, and, listening to this work, this is quite an achievment.It is obvious that Lukanienko wanted to create a long yet modern work influenced by the likes of the far past composers.The dominant instruments are obviously synths and pianos along with the drum programming,but the album contains also plenty of voice and sound effects.So ''Rokus tonalis'' is an alternating beast between highly complex dramatic contemporary Classical/Rock Music and atmospheric passages close to Avant-Garde Music but also often with an almost Ambient feeling.Jazz elements are also present at some moments with a relaxing feeling.Melody is an unknown work for Lukianenko and the album could be a milestone in dissonant music.I admit the first couple of listenings were a hard experience,the more I heard to the album,the more it grew on me.Everything here changes in a blink of an eye,like some attractive harmonies which are constantly interrupted by the monster synths' attack.These ones are the main characteristic of this work,while the only thing I totally dislike are the pre-recorded voices throughout the listening.

''Rokus tonalis'' can be easily a love or hate album,it will be definitely not appreciated by fans of the softer and more melodic side of prog,but it will be a great addition for fans of highly complicated Progressive Rock and of course lovers of Classical Music.For me it is a very good album but only for specific moments,when I am looking for something trully challenging.Recommended.