ALTER EGO

Apparently Joost has been recording and performing with different bands since 2002, but I believe this is the first time I have come across any of his music. What makes this stand out is just how many different styles are being incorporated within the album, and while one can point at one song and say that he has been influenced by Saga, another is far more towards Cardiacs while he isn't afraid to use acoustic guitar when the time is right which adds yet another dimension to the piece. But, this isn't a solo album, as he has brought in a range of guests to help him which include Annie Haslam (who is certainly busy at present as she has recently appeared on something else I have been sent), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Mark Bogert (Knight Area), Sebas Honing (Equisa) and renowned solo artist Ben Craven. Stefan Maas (Equisa) provides drums throughout.

The song which features Annie, where she takes some lead vocals, is "Ever After", which is based on acoustic guitar with wonderful symphonic keyboards adding additional touches and a delicate electric guitar solo. Compare that to the song which follows, "Judith Episode II", which is Cardiacs combined with some PEH and King Bathmat with neo- prog to create something which is dynamic, special, and so very different to what has gone before. There are even pop style harmonies which have no place at all in a prog number yet are simply superb as they definitely bring in thoughts of City Boy and the mighty 3rdegree. This is poptastic crossover prog which is commercial, accessible, and damn good fun. I keep finding myself smiling while I am playing this album, but I am working hard at keeping a straight promise and won't let it happen again. Damn, oh well, not my fault this is so enjoyable. Joost Maglev is a new name to me, but one I will be definitely looking out for in the future as this is a superb release and one I am sure I will often be returning to.

I don't recall how I first heard of Joost Maglev's music but I did enjoy his first solo album, "Overwrite the Sin". I was looking forward to his next offering and at last it came! "Alter Ego"!

The album begins with a short and very lovely lullaby with acoustic guitar and soothing female vocals. Then we are welcomed into the dream with a tremendously punchy and uplifting pop rock tune called, "ANGEL". I can't help but think of eighties bands like Tears for Fears or It Bites for that super eighties pop prog sound. This song will have you dancing around and shooting rainbows and twinkle stars from your aura. Be warned though that there is a rock edge that becomes stronger as the track approaches its final minutes.

One thing you'll learn pretty quickly about Joost is that he's got the creativity of Queen when it comes to putting together albums. "Corpus Christi" is more rock with that prog story-teller approach, perhaps not far from Pain of Salvation but very different in sound. Watch out for that almost Dream Theater-ish break and guitar solo before we almost get a bit of David Bowie and then jump back into the main melody of the chorus of the song.

"Ever After" is the first track to really stick into my head, beautiful and longing. I believe Annie Haslan sings in the chorus, which is sung by the female character in the story, who I think might just be deceased...

"Judith" was my favourite track from the first album and here is "Judith - episode ii -". Different from the previous track except for the melody at the beginning, this track makes a great follow-up, adhering to the musical stage show approach to the music. The title track is insanely catchy and even more like a musical number. You will not forget the lyric, "Wasn't she a cutie / playing with her boobies". Try too get the chorus out of your head once it gets in. This song is a delightful diversion from my usual heavy rock and metal pastimes.

Two more tracks to go and "Burning Girl" sounds almost industrial metal at first, then later in the last couple of minutes does seem to go industrial. Devin Townsend perhaps? "DEMON" is the grand finale with a huge climax to the album. Then we wake from the dream with the closing track "Dreams-", which brings us back too where we started.

At 52:00, this album doesn't seem as long. It's a lot like a movie that just delivers the story in the perfect time frame and ends with you feeling neither that it was too long nor that there should have been more. The album will likely have you wanting to hear more from Joost. The good news is that "Overwrite the Sin" is out there and a new album is currently coalescing with a 2020 release planned.