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KARFAGEN

Symphonic Prog • Ukraine


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Karfagen biography
Founded in Ukraine in 1997

KARFAGEN (meaning Carthago) is a symbol of glory and wisdom, a never-ending journey into the world of the forgotten past and unpredictable future.

KARFAGEN is the brainchild of multi-talented musician and composer, Antony Kalugin. The name was first used in 1997, when Antony formed a band at school. While he was studying at the architectural university a year later, he began to record the first Karfagen compositions in one of the local studios, and a few tracks from this period can be found on the `Key to Perception' compilation from 2009.

In 2005 Antony Kalugin with his assembled musicians went into the studio to record `Continium', the first Karfagen album, which led the band to sign with Unicorn Digital (Canada) the following year. It was highly acclaimed by listeners, which inspired Antony to continue his work and release a second album `The Space Between Us' in early 2007. Later that year he signed with Caerllysi Music (UK).

In order to expand the boundaries of the musical landscape, Antony often collaborated with many different unique musicians. Therefore, in 2011 on the `Lost Symphony' album, Roberto Diaz (Cuba) from ANIMA MUNDI took part as an additional guitarist; in 2013 on `Aleatorica', Tomek Mucha provided electric violin and Sergey Klevenskiy added clarinet, whistles and flutes. In 2014 Mathieu Spaeter appeared as a main guitarist on `Magicians Theatre' as well as Pascal Gutman playing some stick-bass on the `Yuletide' track.

Karfagen is mainly an instrumental band that shows imaginative use of keyboards and guitars, classical and ethnic instruments. Their style can be described as symphonic art-rock with a hint of new-age, folk, jazz-rock and neo-prog in places. Their influences are CAMEL, FOCUS, HAPPY THE MAN, GREENSLADE, THE FLOWER KINGS, UK and KAYAK.

Also inspired by the composers Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Prokofiev, Edward Grig and Pyotr Chaikovskiy, Antony's compositions are always well-constructed and thoughtful. The sound is enhanced by such instruments as oboe, bassoon, accordion, violin, cello, flutes, saxophone and pipes.

In addition to imaginative music, every Karfagen album cover is picturesque and charismatic in the tradition of the classic progressive rock era.

Antony doesn't stand still. On one hand, the sound of Karfagen is unique and recognisable, but on the other hand, with each consec...
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KARFAGEN discography


Ordered by release date | Showing ratings (top albums) | Help Progarchives.com to complete the discography and add albums

KARFAGEN top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.78 | 93 ratings
Continium
2006
3.20 | 88 ratings
The Space Between Us
2007
3.97 | 139 ratings
Solitary Sandpiper Journey
2010
3.92 | 290 ratings
Lost Symphony
2011
3.84 | 144 ratings
Aleatorica
2013
3.84 | 142 ratings
Magician's Theater
2014
3.87 | 166 ratings
7
2015
4.02 | 139 ratings
Spektra
2016
3.99 | 191 ratings
Messages from Afar: First Contact
2017
4.09 | 334 ratings
Echoes from Within Dragon Island
2019
3.94 | 258 ratings
Birds of Passage
2020
2.95 | 11 ratings
The Sandpipers Symphony
2020
3.99 | 114 ratings
Principles and Theory of Spektra
2020
4.04 | 142 ratings
Land of Green and Gold
2022
3.92 | 52 ratings
Birds
2023
4.15 | 71 ratings
Passage to the Forest of Mysterious
2023
4.06 | 36 ratings
Dragon Island
2023
4.21 | 36 ratings
Messages from Afar: Second Nature
2024
3.97 | 10 ratings
Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes
2024

KARFAGEN Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.79 | 24 ratings
Breaking Free Tour Live by AKP (Karfagen / Sunchild)
2017
4.89 | 8 ratings
Karfagen / Sunchild / Hoggwash: A Message of Peace Tour
2023

KARFAGEN Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

KARFAGEN Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.96 | 67 ratings
The Key to Perception
2009
4.78 | 18 ratings
The Sandpipers Symphony (Deluxe Edition)
2020

KARFAGEN Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

0.00 | 0 ratings
The Great Circus
2007
4.62 | 13 ratings
Seven Gates
2015
5.00 | 3 ratings
Echoes from Within Dragon Island Suite
2019
4.75 | 12 ratings
The Day Is Done
2020
4.50 | 12 ratings
Phantasmagoria
2020
4.67 | 9 ratings
Hunter
2020
4.80 | 10 ratings
Levitation
2020
4.75 | 4 ratings
Land of Green (All Parts)
2022
4.33 | 15 ratings
Land of Green (Bonus Disk)
2022
4.83 | 6 ratings
Birds of Passage and the Enchanted Forest
2023
4.00 | 1 ratings
The Game of Imagination (Uvertura)
2023
3.67 | 3 ratings
Bright Little Star
2023
3.83 | 6 ratings
Searching for Mr. Kite
2024
0.00 | 0 ratings
To Those Who Dwell in Realms of Day (Expanded Version)
2024

KARFAGEN Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Messages from Afar: Second Nature by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
4.21 | 36 ratings

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Messages from Afar: Second Nature
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by siLLy puPPy
Special Collaborator PSIKE, JRF/Canterbury, P Metal, Eclectic

4 stars A virtually assembly line of symphonic prog, the Ukrainian band KARFAGEN led by the indefatigable Antony Kalugin has now released 19 full-length studio albums since the band debuted with the 2006 "Continuum." Half of these releases have come out since 2019 with three alone in 2020, three more in 2023 and so far in 2024 two! And it's only March! Someone has acquired Buckethead syndrome :/

MESSAGES FROM AFAR: SECOND NATURE is the first release of the year and features nine tracks at about 48 1/2 minutes but bonus tracks are also included on the CD version under the moniker Dmytro Ignatov who happens to be the electric and acoustic guitarist. While Kalugin dominates the soundscape with his fiery keyboard playing, the album features a wide range of guest musicians and singers that up to nine, one for each track! Concept-wise it's a sequel to 2017's "Messages from Afar: First Contact."

This is a band i've checked out periodically over the years to sample but not really kept up with simply because i tend to avoid bands that favor quantity over quality unless they aren't devoted to a single genre and have license to go anywhere they want. In the case of KARGAGEN the entire musical style is crafted within the realms of modern symphonic prog and although not unpleasant, not really a style of modern prog that gets my juices going therefore so many other artists to explore.

Being that this is one of the highest rated album from the KARFAGEN canon out of the band's existence, i figured that this might be the time to drop in, tune in and evaluate if the band had stepped things up a few notches from the monotonous cookie cutter albums of the past to something more dynamic that can keep my interest throughout its entire run. Lo and behold, as i checked this release out i have to admit that KARFAGEN has indeed stepped things up a few notches and went well beyond some of the overly aerie fairy princess prog of the past (sorry, that's what i call squeaky clean prog with no gonads.)

Like all of KARFAGEN's releases that i've experienced, MESSAGES FROM AFAR: SECOND NATURE is drenched in atmosphere and the entire shebang sort of sounds more like a neo-prog release in some ways with instantly catchy pop-flavored hooks, soaring guitar sweeps and nice comfy song structures that adhere to more modern traditional symphonic prog song structures a la Neil Morse or any of those symphonic prog acts that appear on the Colossus Project compilations. Once again KARFAGEN delivers soundtracks to fairytales that are dreamy and dripping with ambience and layered keyboard effects.

What's new, at least to me is the fact that not only did KARFAGEN offer a more diverse array of track styles on MESSAGES FROM AFAR: SECOND NATURE but added the accompanying sounds of jazz, classical guitar and vocal sections including a surprise cameo from Camel's bass player Colin Bass of all people! In other words, this release is a huge step up from the one's i've dabbled in previously however just like prolific artists such as Neal Morse, Buckethead, Alio Die, Brian Eno or The Residents, just to name a few, there is always a lot of filler with the occasional gem to be plucked from the overgrowth therefore careful selection is the key.

Well in this case, i'm actually quite pleased with how this album flows and how it keeps things interesting by offering varying tempos, time signature workouts and guests singers and sounds that weave their way into the overall mainframe. Add to that the songs are all interesting and even though the band has the same basic sound it always has, this one has enough spice to keep a hardcore progger like me entertained! While i wouldn't go as far as to say that i'm going to go back and check out every possible KARFAGEN album at this point but i will definitely be checking out the releases that are receiving the most positive reviews and ratings. A pleasant surprise for a band that i really wanted to write off! Great job, Mr Kalugin!

 Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
3.97 | 10 ratings

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Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by alainPP

4 stars "The Game of Imagination (Uvertura)" for the symphonic intro which flirts for a moment with the sounds of TANGERINE DREAM; Ushuaïa flute and a solemn air with percussion in front, the synths bringing the sidereal musical beauty, a magnificent rise; great from the start and the why of my choice to talk about these 'work failures'. "Hymn of Hope" begins with Steve HOWE, yes, it's said; playful piece, fruity prog folk, delicate, like a sweet and fresh peach; the synth takes pride of place and sends you into a bucolic world where war is absent; distant reminiscence of Mike OLDFIELD; the guitar sounds on The EDGE, a nectar. "Second Nature Intermezzo" for this solemn aerial entrechat; a delicate touch with its classical orchestration, piano, harpsichord, finesse of sound. "Bond of Love" with Maria and the first of three tracks played on 'Second Nature'; shorter title with this divine intro quickly cut off by this riot of sounds: heavy riff, fat keyboards which fill the musical spectrum, ah for a moment I think of the fabulous 'Merlin will' by AYREON; short but nervous, fluid, air that flows like a sheet of water in Eden; a few notes from a BANKS in the distance, the dry guitar ends this intense moment; piece without the jazzy preamble with synth and sax which suits me better sending the watts, the slap. "Agora" second track without the night and the pompous synth rise of 'Second nature', yes I listened to it too; on an acoustic guitar, not a 'Horizons' but an unfolding on 'Forbidden Games'. "Searching for Mr. Kite" whose title I recommend on 'Second Nature' for a more expressive, punchier intro I would say; we are on a modern progressive sound; yes the guitar, the drums, the various keyboards alternate ambient tunes of our century; reminiscences to an active melody; its melodies are catchy, astounding with musical beauty; there is not a moment when the melody settles, it is swirling, twirling. Make way for the synth on a festive tune; final military drum with a Genesisian sound vibrating with memories before gradually fading away, great moment.

"Faces (First Contact Tapes)" for my choice to chronicle these 'vulgurus tapes': a bucolic, dithyrambic and hypnotic flight, an instrumental madness, an energetic progressive symphony, a space where feelings juggle with sound waves, where notes surf languorous, festive, intimate climates; an epic title that you just have to listen to, indescribable in words. The finale returns to the typical sound but it must be admitted that we have here a pure product of Antony de KARFAGEN, my opinion to chronicle these falls. "Summer Dream" to settle down with a melancholic piano-keyboard melody, a moment to imagine hearing Antony playing close to you.

The bonus CD, featuring the music of Max VELYCHKO: "Alone in the Field" arpeggio dark guitar flowing over embers, vibrant bass accentuating the effect of a Scandinavian folk melody, perhaps from the Balkans; cover yourself the wind is coming over and "Snow" the snow will fall; you have these flakes before you with this crystalline title, reverberation of the icy stars intertwining and forming this soft immaculate felted landscape; the air is more ambient, intimate and relaxing; close your eyes and "Red Moon" appears at the bend of a range; its electro, glacial, we have gone beyond the atmosphere; tune with high percussion to ramble a little more on this dark prog bonus; piano and choirs come to chat for the icy finale. "Morning View" as a cinematic space, spatial BOF, slow cold and dark melody which brightens your brain after this journey out of time and these delicate sounds full of sensitivity; the real or sampled Cello adding a more intimate note.

KARFAGEN, symbol of glory and wisdom which offers symphonic rock art, often orchestral.

 Karfagen / Sunchild / Hoggwash: A Message of Peace Tour by KARFAGEN album cover Live, 2023
4.89 | 8 ratings

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Karfagen / Sunchild / Hoggwash: A Message of Peace Tour
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by Matti
Prog Reviewer

5 stars Ukraine's Antony Kalugin has been extremely productive recently, especially under the moniker Karfagen. I find it rather worksome -- and frankly a bit frustrating too -- to try and keep track of all the new releases that are connected to earlier studio albums, and how exactly are they relating in content to those original works. But let's put that problem aside now, here we have a fantastic live album of a concert held in the Netherlands in September 2022, as part of "A Message of Peace Tour". Considering Kalugin's overwhelming release phase of the last few years, it's all for the better that this set consists of the earlier material by Hoggwash, Sunchild and Karfagen. The keyboard-playing composer Kalugin -- and his soft, tender voice -- is joined on vocals by Mariya Panasenko and Olha Rostovska. By the way, sonically they together often make me think of Roger Waters gigs featuring female backing vocalists, think of songs such as 'Each Small Candle'.

The first and the eighth track originate from the Hoggwash debut The Last Horizon (2007). Sunchild material gets the biggest share, with well chosen songs from e.g. The Invisible Line (2009), As Far As the Eye Can See (2011), Isolation (2012) and Synesthesia (2015).In general, Karfagen (and of course Kalugin's solo albums) are structurally more oriented to Symphonic Prog, compared to the suitably pop sensible Crossover Prog of Sunchild, and therefor the emphasis on Sunchild works brilliantly in this set. The excellently performed and recorded concert has plenty of emotional depth and great melodies. One really feels the atmosphere. If anything critical must be said, the overall performance is perhaps too clean, safe and polished for those listeners who wish live albums to sound more radically different from studio material, apart from applauses in between the pieces.

I'm not going through the 12-piece set in detail. There's not a single track I wouldn't enjoy. 'Father' is a shorter version of a piece from the Sunchild album Message from Afar: The Division and Illusion of Time (2018). The final song 'A Day Without Rain' originating from the Karfagen album Aleatorica (2013) resonates wonderfully with these times saddened by the ongoing war. Hope is always the thing we need to get by, and that idea comes through movingly in this song.

As the previous reviewer here said, there would be great AKP (Antony Kalugin Project) material to fill TWO full- length CD's for a live release -- although it naturally also depends on how lengthy the individual concerts have been and how much their sets have varied. Anyway, with over 77 minutes this set already equals a double LP, and it's surely enough to give a totally satisfying listening experiece. The beautiful design makes me round my 4½ stars upwards. Love and peace!

 Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
3.97 | 10 ratings

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Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by TenYearsAfter

4 stars Last week I reviewed Messages From Afar: Second Nature, here are my words about the other 2024 release entitled Messages From Afar: The Working Tapes by the Ukrainian multi-instrumentalist Antony Kalugin and his band Karfagen. This effort (featuring recordings between 2017 - 2023) also sounds very tastefully arranged, harmonic, melodic, accessible, alternating between dreamy climates, mid-tempo beats and bombastic atmospheres, with the focus on a pleasant colouring featuring a variety of keyboards and acoustic - and electric guitars, with a wide range of guest musicians. My highlights.

The Game Of Imagination (Uvertura) opens with delicate piano play, then classical keyboard orchestrations, blended with Mellotron and synthesizers, the climates contain obvious classical overtones, between dreamy and bombastic, halfway an eruption with piano and choirs, how impressive, dynamic and compelling, what a start!

Hymn Of Hope contains a wonderful piano and classical guitar duet, then the organ joins, culminating in a catchy mid- tempo, tight beat, with sensitive electric guitar and a flashy synthesizer solo, trademark Karfagen.

High pitched female vocals and acoustic rhythm guitar in Bond Of Love, then a sumptuous outburst with heavy guitar riffs, halfway synthesizer flights, finally again mellow with female vocals.

Searching For Mr. Kite delivers electric piano and soaring strings, in a slow rhythm, then heavy guitar work with a tight beat, embellished with another sensational synthesizer solo, concluded with the unsurpassed Mellotron sound, a strong and varied composition.

And finally, the epic composition Faces (First Contact Tapes). It starts bombastic with a lush synthesizer sound, and a spectacular wah-wah drenched guitar, then a mid-tempo featuring freaky synthesizer runs and heavy guitar, halfway a mellow climate with tender piano, and finally Mellotrons, fiery guitar and spacey synthesizer, wow, top notch Karfagen!

My CD version contains 4 exclusively bonus tracks featuring music of guitarist Max Velychko. The first two tracks are acoustic pieces: Alone In The Field with dreamy twanging guitar, and a beautiful, intense acoustic guitar solo, and Snow with soaring keyboards and tender guitar. The other two tracks sound like ambient electronic music: Red Moon with halfway moving electric guitar and Morning View with atmospheric work on guitar and keyboards.

 Messages from Afar: Second Nature by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
4.21 | 36 ratings

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Messages from Afar: Second Nature
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by TenYearsAfter

4 stars I have been familiar with the Ukrainian multi-instrumentalist Antony Kalugin and his musical project Karfagen since the very first beginning, which was the debut album entitled Continium, from 2006, I was delighted with the dual keyboard work. Since then, Kalugin has turned into a prolific musician, releasing many albums with Karfagen, but he also founded other musical projects, from Hoggwash and Sunchild to AKKO and AKP. Last year I was lucky to witness Karfagen during a Dutch festival in the prog venue De Boerderij in Zoetermeer. He made a lot of friends with his wonderful music, and I bought a Karfagen t-shirt, after a short talk with Antony. He was very busy that evening, and the huge attention for him and Karfagen was fully deserved.

Listening to this new album again I am impressed by his skills as a musician and a composer. In the 9 tracks he delivers very melodic, harmonic and accessible music, often dreamy or slow rhythms, but he succeeds to keep my attention with beautiful work on keyboards, guitar and saxophone, along with pleasant vocals. My highlights.

Ride Your Dream has a slow rhythm, dreamy vocals and a flashy synthesizer solo.

Bond Of Love - Expanded Version contains first a mellow intro with female vocals, then a bombastic climate with fat guitar riffs, saxophone and a brassy synthesizer solo, and finally tender vocals and keyboards, topped with sensitive guitar runs.

Daybreak features a classical piano intro, gradually the music shifts to a tight beat with powerful saxophone and a fiery guitar solo.

Bright Little Star has a nice surprise, the distinctive voice of Colin Bass, in a dreamy atmosphere featuring mellow work on the saxophone and a moving guitar solo. The Camel fans will love it!

Searching For Mr. Kite - Expanded Version is an epic composition that has the focus on a long, harder-edged guitar solo, with a tight beat, and halfway a spectacular synthesizer solo.

Finally, the short but beautiful Second Nature with tender piano, in the second part blended with orchestrations, wonderful!

My CD version contains 3 exclusively bonus tracks featuring music of guitarist Dmytro Ignatov.

A slow rhythm with a long and compelling guitar solo in Flying High. Duo acoustic guitars that reminds me of early Dutch prog folk band Flairck in Another Day.

And finally, One Last Time. It starts dreamy with soaring keyboards, then a slow beat with an intense guitar sound evoking Camel, followed by an excellent build-up with howling and biting wah-wah guitar, fuelled by propulsive rhythm-section. Halfway a slowdown and then again bombastic and powerful guitar, and in the end tender acoustic guitar, wow!

Highly recommended!

This review was previously published at the website of Background Magazine, the oldest Dutch progrock source.

 Messages from Afar: Second Nature by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
4.21 | 36 ratings

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Messages from Afar: Second Nature
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by SilverLight59

4 stars With this newest release, Messages From Afar: Second Nature, Antony continues his recent excursions into expanding on previous releases with a new one that draws off the original with flavors from the past and explorations into something new. He has already done so most recently with His Dragon Island and Birds releases, and now he continues doing so here with his Messages from Afar efforts. First there was his Karfagen 2017 Messages from Afar: First Contact, and secondly his 2018 Sunchild Messages from Afar: The Division and Illusion of Time, and now this third one for our listening pleasure.

By far and large, the direct correlations between this release and the previous two tend to be fairly minimal, which is fine as it gives us a new palette of music to take in. That being said, the opening track on Second Nature is definitely a sister track to the opening one on the First Contact album and also a continuation of the fade out of the last track of that album as well. Beyond that it becomes divergent pretty quickly. First contact, which is highly recommended by the way, was primarily instrumental, and guitar driven against Antony's keywork. This newest effort tends to be more symphonic, keys forward, jazzy, with some pastoral touches, but that's not to say the guitars don't have their moments at the forefront.

As always, another great album cover that creates anticipation for the music to follow. So, some brief thoughts on the tracks.

1 Ride Your Dreams (3:41) As mentioned, this sister song to First Contact is immediately recognizable and feels like an old friend, but this is a mellower and shorter version. Just like its predecessor, it has an undeniable Pink Floyd vibe that is most enjoyable. Sometimes Antony does Pink Floyd better than they themselves did in their later years. A great start. 9/10

2 Fantasion (7:26) This is a creative instrumental piece with the synths forward and nice guitar interplay throughout. Has moments that are quite symphonic, but weaves jazzy expressions in and out. Very nice! Easily could have been an extension of the first track and been combined into a single 11 minute piece. 9/10

3 November Blue (4:34) Instrumental change of pace with a definite Jazz vibe including some brass and tasteful Metheny like soft guitar play. Mellow and laid back. Not a lot of sonic variety here, but a pleasant listen nonetheless. 8/10

4 Bond of Love (7:02) This is a star track full of surprises. Starts off acoustic with a beautiful female vocal. Seems that it will be a ballad but no, heavy guitar work cuts across and takes us in a whole different direction. Nice guitar workout with Antony's keys always close by. Closes out with a repetition of the opening lyric. As much as I liked Antony's previous Passage to the Forest of Mysterious, one of the things I lamented was the lack of the female vocals in that album. Happy to see that corrected here. 10/10

5 Agora By Night (4:32) An acoustic guitar instrumental, this feels like a piece extracted from the just mentioned Passage to the Forest of Mysterious. From about the 2:30 point takes on a Vangelis type atmosphere. A lovely piece. 9/10

6 Daybreak (3:48) Another instrumental, opening with piano this time, jazz oriented but for the first half initially more avant-garde than the previous jazzy track. About the second half, brass is incorporated and the track becomes more conventional. Some decent restrained guitar work towards the end adds a nice dimension. Not bad, but not my particular cup of tea either. 7/10

7 Bright Little Star (3:56) The most accessible track this time around. This has an optimistic lyric that is quite engaging. Again, an interesting mix of soft symphonic with some jazz undertones. At about 2:30 there is really enjoyable but short guitar escalation that I always look forward to. Nice artsy video available to view with this. 8/10

8 Searching for Mr. Kite (11:05) Longest track on this album, a big instrumental that upon each listen you pick up subtle different nuances. Just a great guitar and synth workout with reoccurring and building themes. There is a carnival atmosphere near the middle that is a bit unexpected but works well. There is a video in a similar artsy format available for this track as well. Antony saved one of the best for nearly last. 9/10

9 Second Nature (2:26) Antony saved the title track, the shortest one, for last. In doing so, he decided to close out the album with something a bit pastoral after the bombast of the previous piece. This one features piano, that for me, brings up a Genesis type feel, but gets expanded upon as it proceeds to its conclusion. A tasteful and elegant way to close the proceedings. 9/10

In conclusion, another most enjoyable offering from Antony and his fellow musicians. Unlike his previous effort, Passage to the Forest Mysterious, which seemed to at least loosely be a concept album, that is not the case here. The tracks seem to be stand alone efforts with quite a bit of different flavors and atmospheres, but it all works together quite nicely. I have to say that I have grown to have a lot of affection for Antony's offerings and they seem to just keep getting a little better each time. Another solid 4 star offering worth investigating.

 Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
3.97 | 10 ratings

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Messages from Afar: The Working Tapes
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by Drmick1971

4 stars Antony Kalugin also releases this companion album at the same time as 'Messages from Afar: Second Nature' which includes unreleased material and alternative versions contained in 'Second Nature'. An interesting flipside to the abovementioned album.

This begins with 'The Gnome of Imagination (Uvertura) which is pure symphonic rock that sounds very like a movie theme. A dramatic and mysterious touch to introduce this collection.

'Hymn of Hope' follows evoking a renaissance sound giving an atmosphere of hope. A glorious gamut of high ambience is the impression this piece brings.

What comes next are shorter alternative tracks from 'Second Nature' being 'Second Nature Intermezzo', 'Bond of Love', 'Agora' and 'Searching for Mr. Kite'. You find my opinion in the full review of 'Second Nature' also provided on this site.

'Faces (First Contact Tapes)' is an epic track lasting a healthy 21.14 minutes. As Antony mentions on the inside cover, this comes from the 'First Contact' sessions of that album. It consists of familiar sections from that album and I have to say there is some outstanding drumming from Konstantin Shepelenko. In a way this takes you on a transient view and memory of 'First Contact'. I would say the shining gem is this track and I am glad that the album provides an avenue to present this version.

'Summer Dream' is the last track which has a sublime, mellow touch which closes this extended perspective of 'Messages from Afar: Second Nature'.

The album may not be a necessity but I believe this is icing on the most moist and rich of cakes. I urge you to buy this CD because bonus tracks exist by extraordinary guitarist Max Velychko.

 Messages from Afar: Second Nature by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
4.21 | 36 ratings

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Messages from Afar: Second Nature
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by Drmick1971

5 stars This is the third album in the "Messages from Afar" series by Antony Kalugin. The first under the Karfagen banner, "Messages from Afar: First Contact", the second under the Sunchild banner being "Messages from Afar: The Division and Illusion of Time". This contains three songs with the remaining six tracks as instrumentals. Again there is the fantastical images on the cover by artist and painter Igor Sokolskiy.

The album opens with the song 'Ride Your Dream'. A classical style of piano begins this song with Antony providing the vocals. The lyric, "Great the sun, great the sky, Feel the wind, golden fields of rhye" is reflecting the track from 'First Contact'.

'Fantasian' follows, an instrumental running at 7.25 minutes profiles Antony's keyboards mostly exposing his styles with a flourish here and there of guitar both acoustic and electric. It evokes a fantasy landscape that ends with an exciting rock climax.

'November Blue' is another instrumental piece that is a nice, relaxing slice of jazz fusion starring Yan Vedaman on saxophones.

'Bond of Love' is the second song that gave me the 'Wow' factor. It starts with the singing of Maria Panasenko in a sweet melody. Then in a sudden 90 degree left turn we get an unexpected heavy rock riff that blew me away. This gives way to an improvised section of guitar and keyboards that sails into a climax where guitarist Dmytro Ignatov uses his electric guitar in a mandolin like fashion reminiscent of Ritchie Blackmore at the end of the Deep Purple song 'Mistreated'. This kind of guitar gives me goosebumps and I am so glad to hear it here. This track finishes just as it started with Maria repeating the lyrics she sang at the beginning.

We get more guitar magic from guitarist Max Velychko on 'Agora by Night'. A light chill out track that highlights Max's deft and soft touch as required. A truly heartfelt piece of music.

'Daybreak' is another shorter section containing the tinkling of many notes played on piano transitioning into solo saxophone emphasising the rising of the sun and the start of a new day.

'Bright Little Star' is no doubt a love letter to the band Camel as it includes Camel's bass player Colin Bass offering his vocals to sing this third song. Essence of Camel come through from around the 'I Can See Your House From Here' and 'Nude' era albums. As a lover of Camel, this has a special meaning to me as well.

'Searching for Mr. Kite' is the longest track on the album at just over 11 minutes. Here we have classic Karfagen with the familiar mix of keyboards and guitar vying for the attention. In the end keyboard and guitar are supporting each other to bring another eloquent and satisfying composition. There is keyboard sounds reminiscent of the early Karfagen album 'Magicians Theater' which is wonderful to hear again. If anyone finds Mr. Kite, please let Antony know so he can write the sequel 'Found Mr. Kite'.

'Second Nature' is a short piano session closing off the end of the album maybe hinting at another chapter of 'Messages from Afar'? So another masterpiece from Antony Kalugin. He again has found a wonderful guitar player Dmytro who was introduced on their 'Message of Peace' tour - such an expressive player. A worthy prog. rock purchase I also urge anyone to buy the CD as it contains bonus tracks featuring Dmytro showcasing his talent.

 Messages from Afar: Second Nature by KARFAGEN album cover Studio Album, 2024
4.21 | 36 ratings

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Messages from Afar: Second Nature
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by MalenaRoss

5 stars Thanks Antony , for the privilege to hear and enjoy some demos long before the album comes. To see it rise and transform. What I can say , it's one of the well balanced sounding album in AKP discography to date. It has this depth and clarity. It's not a dragon island or Birds - this album is more like a Amonia Avenue by Alan Parsons . The same high level of production on one hand and nice melodic structure.

It's 100 recognisable AKP album but I clearly understand what Antony said, that he wanted to create an album of dedication to the art rock artists he likes.

Probably the highlight of the album is the epic " Searching for Mr. Kite". This track is like a lost amazing gem from Rick Wakeman's discography when he did produce some cool magical stuff (unfortunately not anymore..) to me " mr Kite" is even more spectacular and imaginative than 90% of the latest Wakemans opus..

It was an amazing surprise to hear mr. Colin Bass on a "Bright Little Star " another highlight of the album- it was released as a single on Christmas and has fantastic festive video on YouTube which can be surely enjoyed by not only Prog fans.

Antony states that music is his "second nature " . I must admit that it's mine either!

I like the ebbs and flows on Karfagen albums- sometimes it's a concept symphonic suite , sometimes it's more into shorter stories . This time it's even more into jazz rock - Canterbury territory at places , think of late 70s Camel and Happy the Man. "Agora by Night" is an acoustic masterpiece delivered by Max Velychko on acoustic guitar.

All other tracks were recorded by Dmytro Ignatov in Lviv , and it's very lush and energetic.

This album is highly recommended to all Prog lovers and if you're new to Anton's music, "Second Nature " is a good choice for the beginner guide through AKP soundscape depth .

 Karfagen / Sunchild / Hoggwash: A Message of Peace Tour by KARFAGEN album cover Live, 2023
4.89 | 8 ratings

BUY
Karfagen / Sunchild / Hoggwash: A Message of Peace Tour
Karfagen Symphonic Prog

Review by Drmick1971

5 stars A Message of Peace Tour is the first live content from Antony Kalugin since The Breaking Free Tour from 2016. As with that previous live album, this is an exceptional live album that has an outstanding atmosphere conducive to what a live album should be. One element you can count on from Antony is his procurement of talented musicians. Joining him this time is Kostiantyn Shepelenko on drums, Vladyslav Karbovskyi on bass guitar, Mariya Panasenko on vocals along with Olga Rostovska and the impressive Anton Barsukov on guitar. The track list contains songs from all three of Antony's projects being Hoggwash, Sunchild and Karfagen. Most are from Sunchild which makes sense as they are more song orientated. One thing that does stand out is the tracks from Hoggwash which was created by Antony and Will Mackie. These two tracks are the longest on the album. Only two songs are repeated from the previous live album, 'Rain Drops' and 'Visionary Sights'. I have no issue with this as both are crowd pleasing songs. Speaking of crowd pleasing, 'Shall We Run?' has to join that chorus, proving that Antony's song writing can be as good in a commercial sense as he can compose complex prog music. A song that instantly grabs your attention and does not let go. I need to mention Mariya's singing here. There is such a wide range of music and it appears she handles it with ease. I would describe her as 'Delicate Power'. Her softness is eloquent and her strength is palpable. My favourite tracks are 'Grail and Time' and 'Father' both which come from the album 'Messages From Afar: The Division and Illusion of Time'. 'Grail and Time' being a majestic song and a showcase for Antony's passionate voice supported superbly by Mariya and Olga. 'Father' being Antony's celebration of his father and a wonderful sentiment to fatherhood. I do have one regret of this album: with the amount of new music Antony has recorded since the previous live album, this easily could have been a double album. As a prolific creator, how did he choose the songs he did for this concert? There is a lot to choose from, a true challenge alone. This is an exquisite and effervescent concert captured beautifully that also highlights the tragedy occurring in Ukraine right now. How can such terror be thrust upon people that have an extensive artistic flair as this is beyond me. Continue the Message of Peace.

Thanks to chopper for the artist addition. and to projeKct for the last updates

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