IN EXTREMIS

This CD starts slowly with two quiet songs that sets the stage for what is coming. The classical arrangements and the floydian guitar gives a symphonic atmosphere. "Visionary" show some techno sound with the synths and it's the first time the vocals made their presence. The synths and the drums are up front, being very dynamic. With "Blackfoot", the guitars have more space and we have some repeated themes, the synthesizers offers a almost hypnotic feel because of the repeated chords. The longest track of the CD so far, starts with some nice acoustic guitar, flute that take you back to the 70's sound of the classic bands. There is some nice arrangements with some exotic guitars. The song is built in a intense crescendo with beautiful piano. The epic song "In Extremis" set a atmosphere close to Philip Glass's music, before the vocals make their entrance with some repeated piano lines in the background. The guitars are shining here, and their is a fascinating passage of aboriginal music that complete the picture of a superb CD.

This CD has all the ingredients to be a classic including some well known guest musicians, like Billy Sherwood, Rick Wakeman, Peter Banks and Tony Levin, which gives to the music it's richness. It's got the 70's symphonic sound influence, but also during his peaceful passages, a atmospheric sound that could serve as a movie soundtrack. The band have succeed to combine some complex symphonic music in the more up tempo pace, with the simplicity of the slower pace passages that still maintains the intensity and emotional level through out the CD.