KINGDOM OF DREAM

Here we go again, this time voyaging to Poland for a debut album that has the audacity to kick off with a sumptuous 17 minute+ epic, a trait that is generally a very good sign of confidence and maturity. Thrilos is a symphonic septet that released in 2016 a lovely album 'Kingdom of Dream' which happens to also be the title track that opens the festivities. Interweaving acoustic and electric guitar motifs, delicate piano ornaments, pastoral flute and bass guitar growls set the sonic table, blending serenity and atmosphere with suave generosity. The drums arrive to support the celestial feel just as vocalist Adam Berda handles the microphone, gently swaying to the breeze, English lyrics weaving amid the violin streaks. Dariusz Plachetka arrays quite a battery of keyboards, organ, piano and mellotron being the prime movers and shakers. Lead guitarist Stanislaw Sroka peels off a series of sizzling lines just to keep things electric and palpitating. The mood is obviously Floydian but with a whole arsenal of add-ons that rely heavily on the flute, viola and violin. I also felt an occasional resemblance to Lands End, a brilliant 1990s multi-national prog band that faded away over a decade ago.

A couple of shorter tracks such as the appropriately named 'Short Jazzing Expression' provide added spice, glistening nicely in the afterglow of the colossal opener. The intricately woven 'March of a Dying Beauty' tosses in some interesting Crimsonite leanings in the Frippian guitar , mellow flute and a devouring pulse. I really enjoy the softer but rabid style, as if restraint means everything when expressing new emotions.

A couple of 7 minute pieces that could easily have been bonded into one is next up. The aquatic 'Waves' conjures summer images on the Baltic Sea, near the lovely Pomeranian Hel peninsula, a flowing musical wave of immense beauty featuring a spirited acoustic guitar foray, aided along by some lovely flute work from the talented Barbara Glowoc. Wind-swept and majestic, the sounds caress and massage the restless soul as Katarzyna Sroka's violin scours the beachhead. This jewel bleeds nicely into the equally marine 'Source of Confusion', but here the band takes its time in building up a mosaic of kaleidoscope licks, leaning heavily on Plachetka's divine technique, while the rolling bass and deft drum tandem kick up quite a storm of intensity. In fact, the mood becomes quite delirious and complex, with a flurry of notes to further 'confuse' the listener. Brilliant musicianship!

Another lengthy track is 'Strange Images', giving lead vocalist Adam Berda the spotlight, a romantic disposition and a precious delivery combine to enchant and impress, amid some resourceful backdrops. The suggestive piano adds drama to the achingly expressed rant, poignant emanations and melancholic sounds, another perfect 10 minutes of bliss. One can listen to material like this forever and never be bored or distracted. When the bass kicks into temperate overdrive, I am hooked beyond reproach.

The closer, cutely titled 'Closed Within' expresses a strong yearning for continuity, first some recorder, me thinks and then flute all within a looped melody, scratchy violin-led arrangement and Adam's voice modulated to almost feminine tones, sounding uncannily like Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley! The Fripp meets Belew solo ends the proceedings abruptly.

Upon close inspection or as background music, I kept being wooed towards the sounds emanating from the speakers, evidently affecting my consciousness and thus, a clear sign of quality progressive rock. It never fails. Another fabulous release and a well-deserving newcomer from the land that keeps on giving breathtaking music.

5 Legendary Realms