THE DIVINE TREE

This long-running Norwegian band have come up with an interesting musical mix on their 2007 release.

Musically they explore a highly melodic mix of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath; with organ, melodic guitar riffs and guitar overlays very much in the Deep Purple vein; and some instances of riff patterns and sounds more similar to Black Sabbath. But when that is said; in style the music seldom or never ventures into heavy metal territories. The band has a more distinct light and melodic feel overall; only rarely adding metal grit to the soundscape. Some folk influences can be heard throughout the album too; but on this release at least it is not a dominating feature.

Recommended for fans of retro hard rock; fans of Deep Purple's lighter tunes in particular.

It's not very easy to play vintage hard rock with prog flavour in year 2007! Especially if your music is heavy keyboards-based and reminds early Uriah Heep and Deep Purple. OK, you can add plenty of flute's sound there, than beside of two bands, mentioned above, your music will remind Jethro Tull ("Catfish Rising" anyone?).

And you must believe that your music is not just a copy of old great bands legacy, you even must love it! If you can do it, than you're a member of Norwegian band Lucifer Was.

To be honest, situation is not so simple. Guys play both together from early 70-s (even if their first album was released in 1994), so they are far not a new generation of hard rock clones. They grew up with this music, possibly it's a reason why it sounds so natural. Even when they play that early 70-s music in 2007 without making changes at all!

Guitars sound great, vocals is really competent, songs are melodic. In fact , weakest point of this recording date of release: it should be released in year 1972. But - we have what we have. If you are early Uriah Heep or Deep Purple maniac, have all possible their albums, and are interested in similar music ( scented with Jethro Tull-like flute), you wouldn't be disappointed with this album.