SOLUM

Guitarist Christian Fredriksson is predominantly known for the collaboration with the Swedish outfit Vulkan. Now this is his first solo effort, where he plays nearly every instrument on his own, except the drum contributions regarding most of the songs. The music does not significantly differ from what his main band are delivering. I mean, it's still heavy progressive rock, though totally instrumental anyhow in this case. Also, there is more lightness, ambience given in between, yet even further trickiness, depth, variety to note overall. And of course, as to be expected, his excellent guitar presence is dominating the particular five songs (plus two short interludes) that are available. Nonetheless the various keyboard imprints, including the mighty Mellotron, are of a delicate nature too, well appointed.

Don't know what Fredriksson intends to express with that album title and the corresponding cover illustration. Well, it is said the Nordic people are notably melancholic. Neither contradiction nor consensus anyway. I can see respectively hear light and colour everywhere around instead. Being technically flawless at any rate 'Encountering Murk' is an easy case to get involved with. Constant ebb and flow, the compositions are compelling, Progressive Rock at its best with that said. It's the well thought out homogenous progression and pleasant cinematic touch that has convinced me right up from the first moment. Thus it might be difficult enough to emphasize one song, quasi representative of the whole thing. Although the closing track Entity delivers some real fireworks ... let's take the emotional Rituals, my favourite tune anyhow, so far. The first seconds are touching as no other, the developing groove furthermore, eventually towards the furious, fantastic! 'Encountering Murk' marks a superb heavy progressive rock album in its entirety, very recommended.