LUCIFER WAS

That Lucifer Was is a band with a history going back to the 1970's is easy to understand when listening to this album, as it is one with a firm foundation in that decade as far as musical style, approach and expression is concerned. Just about everything presented to us comes with something of a trademark vintage stamp, and inside a hard rock context at that.

The heart and soul of this band is the use of guitar and organ combinations, more often than not in a tight and vibrant display that begs for comparisons with Deep Purple. They will loosen up occasionally, adding a slight Uriah Heep flavor to the arrangements, while at other times the guitar sound will be a tad darker and more doom-laden, adding a slight touch of vintage Black Sabbath to the proceedings. In addition they also add some flute details to the proceedings, and the manner in which this instrument is used rather than the mere presence of the instrument itself also gives some of the passages a slight touch of a Jethro Tull tinged atmosphere. Soaring on top we have powerful, clear lead vocals, well controlled and delivered.

The band does opt for a subtly more sophisticated blend of these elements than many others, at times creating material that at least in part can be compared to fellow Norwegian band Magic Pie, but Lucifer Was has a much firmer base in a hard rock based foundation, so those who long for sophisticated vocal harmonies and more elaborate keyboard arrangements will not find too much of this here. But in general construction and at times in mood and atmosphere there are certain similarities at play. That Lucifer Was has a few more strings to play upon is also well documented on the third track Crazy World Turns to Me, adding a blues-laden opening passage and more of a southern rock feel to the proceedings on that particular occasion.

"DiesGrows" is first and foremost a quality run through a 70's style vintage, sophisticated hard rock terrain, a solid production by an experienced band who have been exploring this type of music since it first originated. As such this is an album I would estimate to mainly be of interest to those with a strong affection for that type of music, with fans of Deep Purple and at least to some extent Uriah Heep as well as those who should take note of this CD.

While there was no evidence of the muddy production of the previous album, the material on ''In Anadi's bower'' sounds still very vintage, while the Mellotron injections were definitely an addition to the right direction, strengthening the retro inspirations of the Norwegians.So you can imagine more or less a style close to ''Underground and beyond'' but now with a more epic atmosphere and a charming sound with Hard Rock vibes, JETHRO TULL-esque hints and some KING CRIMSON aesthetics due to the heavy Mellotron waves.Jon Ruder's first appearance with the band was much more than a success, his pompous, emphatic voice suited very well to Lucifer Was' rhythmic, passionate and vintage approach.The music remains fairly fascinating and rockin' with excellent riffs, countless electroacoustic patterns in the vein of JETHRO TULL and a solid rhythm section, while almost every track contains these lovely Ian Anderson-like flute drives.Certain pieces present also some deep URIAH HEEP overtones with the display of grandiose keys next to the rhythm guitars and the powerful breaks, while the longer tracks are super-tight Heavy Prog with flute noodling, Mellotron power and electric explosions.Far from this style, the shorter tracks are equally great with hard guitar pounds and sharp vocals by Ruder.

A must have for all fans of Hard Rock, Heavy Prog, JETHRO TULL and any kind of early-70's Rock music.Dynamic music with detailed, rockin' and fairly progressive tunes.Highly recommended.

The album contains 11 tracks, that come from the 1970-72 period, now reworked by the group in the studio, however both the length and the production of the album recall the early-70's.Their sound was a powerful and very energetic blend of Hard Rock and JETHRO TULL-esque flute-led Heavy Prog with excellent English vocals and frenetic rhythmic parts, not to mention the hard driving guitar solos.The production of the album is clear, but the technology used maintains a true vintage feeling throughout.At moments the scratching guitars have a strong Proto-Metal vibe, but noone knows if this was the actual style the group performed back in the 70's.All tracks are memorable with a dominant sound, some superb choruses, fantastic flute work and series of tremendous guitar moves.A decent number of breaks and shifting tempos keeps up the progressive value of the album.The same album was re-released on Transubstans with two bonus tracks, performed by a slightly different line-up, but the sound remains more or less the same: Dynamic Hard Prog with angular guitar riffs and folky flute grooves all the way.

I am really pleased for this comeback.Lucifer Was' style seems sometime lost in the 70's, offering some really passionate Heavy/Hard Prog of high quality, respecting all the values of the old school.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

Album sounds as great evidence of early 70-s era, end for those who isn't familiar with band's story this music is almost original sound from that time. Even sound mixing and producing is in the fashion of that time.

Stylistically music on this album is blues-rock based hard rock with strong prog-folk influences (flutes are pure Jethro Tull). Arrangements are quite progressive though, and in whole compositions sound (as many reviewers noticed yet) as crossover between Jethro Tull and dark and quite heavy hard rock. Songs are melodic and quite catchy, musicianship is competent,vocals are good enough. Really interesting album for fans of vintage prog rock, for all others possibly far not so interesting though: when in nostalgic moments it always better to listen to original great releases from early 70-s.

Positive moment is band are not a copy cat actually - they play their own music they wrote in early 70-s and got the possibility to release this debut only now!

The music included herein is really good and very strong. Although in the opening track, Wonder, you get the impression that this album is going to be carried mostly by the rock instruments, by the time that romantic Unformed and Void begins playing, there is no doubt in your mind that Lucifer Was have made great use of the Kristiansand Symphonic Orchestra.

Stylistically, Lucifer Was makes much more use of the orchestra than they do their own rock instruments on this album, and when the rock instruments do make an appearance, very rarely do they dominate the soundscape - I must say that this album, both due to the way it is mixed and the way it is composed, has perhaps the best integration of rock music into an orchestra I've heard (for sure it is not the other way around!). If anything, the string section is the dominant element of this music, which works great as far as I am concerned.

Be prepared to give this gem a few listens before it truly sinks in. I was a little disappointed on my first few listens but repeated listens have revealed depth and texture I missed at first. The music carefully and slowly builds up emotion with the orchestra (except in some of the more rocking sections, like Rising Sun and Into the Blue). The vocals are excellent and very dramatic as well, featuring both male and female singers, which is perfect for this type of music.

Overall, an excellent concept album, featuring great orchestration and drama.

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.

4(-), little improved.

Abandoning the more distinct blend of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple explored on their previous album, this time around Lucifer Was brings a symphonic orchestra with them in the studio. And not to add symphonic textures to their rock tunes. Indeed, this whole album comes across as written for the orchestra, with careful interplay from the rock band as additional textures to enhance the compositions.

Multilayered string textures is the dominant feature from start to finish, but on a select few occasions the guitars are given dominant spots as well. Those are few and far between though, and the band opts for a careful interplay most of the time. Drums and bass are the main constants from the rock part of this mix, at least as far as instrumentation goes, adding a dimension to the classical territories explored. At times stunning flute and violin soloing further enhance these efforts.

From the slow and mournful ballads featuring male and female lead vocals to raunchier instrumental efforts with more of an emphasis on drive and atmosphere, "The Crown of Creation" certainly lives up to the expectations one might get from a disc with this title. Lucifer Was have made a challenge for themselves in following up on this enchanting venture, and in a fair world this is a CD that deserves sales by the truckloads.

A highly accomplished and sophisticated creation, and one that should appeal to a wide audience. A very strong contender for album of the year as well, at least in my personal opinion.