SPIRITUS NATURA

Currently we all empathically experience that. The Ghost Of Nature is apparent, is getting in touch with us, also seeking revenge in one way or another. ENINE's new album 'Spiritus Natura' comes as a hybrid of Psychedelic and Art Rock. A splendid prog workout, compositions and flow are outstanding. And, while they are hailing from the spacious Russian Federation, this is also deeply rooted in native ethno fields. That means garnered with some Shamanic throat singing for example, and other offbeat goodies (for me at least). This altogether delivers a rather unique atmosphere. Vladimir Mikhaylov (guitars) and Ilya Frolov (keyboards) are pulling the strings, when it comes to this band, for what I can see. The current line up is consisting of an eight-piece unit though, where you can determine a conspicious focus on diverse percussion instruments furthermore.

Also some illustrious guest musicians are involved, examplarily to note Vespero's Alexander Kuzovlev, or the many-sided Ivan Rozmainsky, as well as avantgarde jazz rock guitarist Ángel Ontalva, who is always feeling comfortable when having the possibility to collaborate with psychedelic space rock oriented bands. Just following the short intro, Kanda (Power Of Being) comes as a compositional highlight for sure. Proper groove, very nice guitar appearance, some solos inclusively, symphonic organ respectively spacey keyboards. Then gliding into Enine (Shaman's Dream) we are entering the album's centerpiece. What a superb mood! Some Pink Floyd reminiscences are to discover on Ayvel (The Curse of the Water Spirit) later on. But then again Vladimir Nikonov also introduces his Jew's Harp.

Including remarkable throat singing Between Two Worlds (Light And Shadow) turns out to be another album highlight. And the Lost Seabird starts off with melancholic mourning, but eventually turns into a happier and hopeful mood, accompanied by exceptional ethereal female singing. 'Spiritus Natura' certainly is a thing in its own right. Released on the Chilenian Mylodon Records label this is a very good album, a proper step forward from an artistical point of view. The only weak point, too bad, occasionally I wished the drum kit contributions were provided with more inspiration. A minor issue however, hence, after all, this still is an excellent addition to your well sorted prog music collection.