KARFAGEN

OMNI PART I

1 ? Omni Overture - An instrumental song opening this first part of the suite that sums up the grandeur of this beautiful work. The incredible beginning of another classic by Mr. Kalugin.

2 ? Storyteller (Part 1) - A beautiful and sophisticated song featuring none other than Richard Sinclar (Ex- Camel/ Hatfield and The North/ Caravan). A song that takes us back to the good old days of Camel, accompanied by John Hackett's beautiful flute.

3 ? Whispers From The Past - A calmer and simpler song, showing all the talent, sensitivity and creativity of this great project called Karfagen.

4 ? The Spark - A continuation of the previous one, started by the beautiful and contagious guitar of Max Velychko and commanded by the striking vocals of Per Malmberg (Salva). Another beautiful song!

5 ? Masterplan - In addition to the beautiful keyboards, percussion, bass, production and composition, Mr. Kalugin takes on the vocals of this captivating song that follows Karfagen's signature style, with its instrumentation and harmonies often sounding like a soundtrack song for a movie yet to be filmed.

6 ? Mirror of Souls - A beautiful instrumental song that masterfully closes this first part of this suite, making the perfect bridge to Omni Part II.

OMNI PART II

7 ? Unchained - This second part begins with the beautiful vocals of Jean Pageau (Mystery), creating a unique atmosphere together with the grandeur of the instrumental, with emphasis on Mr. Velychko's guitar and Richard Sinclair's participation on the Fretless Bass.

8 ? The Cards We Play - Now the vocals are led by Marco Glühmann (Sylvian), in this powerful and beautiful song that features John Heckett on flute and, once again, Richard Sinclair on Fretless. A song that talks about the cards (choices) we play (make). Beautiful vocals and instrumentals!

9 ? You and I - With Bartosz Kossowicz (Collage, Quidam), another engaging song, telling about two people (couple?) living stories, walking paths, winning battles in a reborn world and always together.

10 ? Storyteller (part 2) - The last song of this suite, with the return of the storyteller, Mr. Sinclair, closing this grandiose work with his unique bass and vocals! A beautiful ending!

A work to be heard and appreciated from beginning to end, more than once!

Congratulations Mr. Kalugin and everyone who created this beautiful work!

This alblum is masterpiece.

Over time thjs went from4 stars to 5 I gave alblum many skins over last month Karfagen alblums neeed heard 6-7 mqny prog alblums need multiple listens soke hit u offf get go within 2-3 spins some need time.

Second half I loved originally first half was not big on. It is now 5 stars to me here is my review it is masterpiece.

Can't wait for follow uo I omow what he makijg ciz alblum is neing made for me as suggestion ny special request of a dream alblum I had over 20 years. All I will say it is baroque.

I won't spoil any thung it like Bach style. Isjteukents used in days. Think hardly whay thjs mean 16th century 18th century instruments. I spoke to much enjoy follow up now je needs make all star lineup aor and prog and hard rock albluj we are set. To me thjs is Canterbury alblum we all wanted him make.

Great mkre adventures await usl!

21st album from this keyboard-centric symphonic prog band led by the extremely prolific Ukranian musician Antony Kalugin. Although Karfagen releases at least one album, sometimes more, just about every year, this one is a bit different. First, although it is broken up into individual tracks, it plays out as one long suite of interconnected songs, and it is more focused on vocals, harmonies, and pop-rock melodies (and contains numerous guest vocalists) than the usual more instrumental-heavy releases. There is still plenty of great instrumental prog on display here (also highlighted by numerous guest musicians, with classic symphonic prog touches throughout, but the vocal melodies and arrangements take center stage here. The result is their most accessible and cohesive release to date. The individual tracks encompass a variety of styles, but it all fits together seamlessly for a wonderful theatrical and cinematic experience. Rating: 4

KARFAGEN - OMNI (2025)

Review by Roman Gorielov (https://linktr.ee/romangorielov)

What can I say... Here is Antony Kalugin's new album, OMNI (2025). Let's listen - and think.

The album cover sets the mood instantly. Its central triangular figure evokes classic prog imagery - clean, symbolic, and unmistakably rooted in the genre's visual heritage. A simple yet effective design that prepares the listener for a conceptually rich experience.

Track-by-Track Impressions:

1. Omni Overture

The album opens with a grand overture that establishes the mood and outlines the journey ahead. It's cinematic and purposeful - an invitation into the world of OMNI.

2. Storyteller (Part 1)

And then - Richard Sinclair starts singing. Yes, that Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Camel). His voice is instantly recognizable, warm, and melodic, creating a powerful link between the golden age of prog and the modern scene. A wonderful, unexpected gift to longtime fans.

3. Whispers from the Past

Antony and Olha share vocal duties here. The chorus is emotionally profound - what I like to call "global music" - music that resonates deeply and universally. A strong and memorable piece.

4. The Spark

Per Malmberg brings a fresh dynamic to the album's progression. The arrangement is detailed yet clear, with excellent instrumental interplay and precise mixing. A vibrant track full of musical "events", yet never overwhelming.

5. Masterplan

No pause - this track flows directly from the last. Antony sings in his signature "conversational" style. The refrain - "Masterplan? Masterplan?" - is hypnotic. A sharp guitar riff gives way to soft chords and a delicate keyboard solo. The slower section is smooth, melodic, and memorable.

6. Mirror of Souls

A majestic instrumental that begins with a piercing, melodic grace. And yes - that's John Hackett on flute. A gift of a performance.

7. Unchained

A solemn opening gives way to Jean Pageau's rich vocals. The dramatic guitar lines are measured and impactful. The track builds into something monumental before transitioning, surprisingly and beautifully, into a lush melodic section. A highlight of the album.

8. The Cards We Play

Things only get better. The melody soars, and Marco Glühmann's voice enters - instantly gripping. The verse builds intensity, supported by expressive basslines, and then comes the chorus: unforgettable, catchy, and emotionally resonant. You'll find yourself humming it in the kitchen :) One of Antony's finest compositional achievements, and Marco delivers it with brilliance!

9. You and I

Bartosz Kossowicz adds a new emotional color with his distinctive vocals. A sleek, stylish track that adds depth and dimension to the album's soundscape.

10. Storyteller (Part 2)

The finale. Richard Sinclair and Antony Kalugin return for a beautifully lyrical duet that feels like a warm farewell. It's optimistic, reflective, and forward-looking - a calm and confident closing chapter. The mood is elevated, encouraging thoughts of discovery and new horizons.

Final Thoughts:

At just 45 minutes, OMNI manages to take listeners on a remarkably expansive journey. Its blend of rich melodies, conceptual depth, and diverse vocal talent creates something both classic and contemporary.

Antony Kalugin has crafted more than an album - he's built a bridge. OMNI connects the art rock traditions of the 1970s with the textures and sensibilities of modern neo-prog, without remaining static in either realm. It flows, shifts, and evolves - showing all the beauty of prog and the enduring power of music to move and inspire.

Rating: 5/5

A must-listen for prog fans old and new. If you love melody, craftsmanship, and thoughtful arrangements - this is for you.

P.S. A round of applause for all the instrumentalists - professional, driving, and tasteful throughout. A phenomenal collective effort.

All Is One, and One Is Kalugin

If anyone was still unsure about Antony Kalugin's place in modern symphonic prog, OMNI lands as a direct and elegant answer. There are no empty gimmicks or pretentious concept-dressing here. What you get is a solid, inspired, and — most importantly — cohesive album from start to finish. And yes, it's made up of just two tracks. Want a two-song album done right? This is how you do it: two long suites where every section breathes, evolves, connects, and moves you. No filler, no awkward pauses.

Kalugin remains a creative machine — releasing music at an insane pace, and still keeping the quality consistently high. Actually, he keeps getting better. OMNI isn't just another good record from him — it's probably his best so far. It's got that vintage symphonic prog flavor, but with modern production that feels clean, warm, and alive. Nothing sounds artificial — everything feels organic.

One of the album's biggest strengths is its guest lineup. Richard Sinclair (Camel, Caravan) brings his classic and unmistakable touch. John Hackett adds that pastoral breeze so typical of old-school British prog. And the musicians from Mystery (yes, the Canadians) bring emotional depth and melodic weight right when it's needed. The vocals overall are packed with real feeling — no cookie-cutter singers or cold studio polish here. It's sung from the heart, and you can tell.

As for the musicianship — no complaints. The guitar work shines with tasteful, melodic lines that never overstay their welcome. Every note feels intentional. And the way the album builds its climax is just masterful. It all flows naturally — no clunky shifts or forced transitions. This is an album meant to be heard as a whole — and it earns that.

The "all is one, and one is all" concept isn't just some abstract idea thrown into the lyrics. It's reflected in how the different parts of the album speak to each other — like separate stories from the same shared consciousness. The music carries that message without pushing it too hard. That's its real strength: yes, it's progressive — but it's also human, honest, and full of emotion.

OMNI is a modern gem of symphonic prog. As classic as it is fresh, as technical as it is heartfelt. And once again, Kalugin absolutely delivers.

Music: ★★★★

Lyrics: ★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

Emotion: ★★★★

Production: ★★★★

Artwork: ★★★★

Average: ★★★★

Antony Kalugin created another beauty

Karfagen's OMNI is a breathtaking progressive rock album that showcases the band's signature blend of rich melodies, dynamic instrumentation, and thoughtful composition. From the very first track, the album feels incredibly accessible ? a rare feat in the world of complex prog music. Whether you're a seasoned prog fan or a newcomer, OMNI draws you in with its uplifting spirit and emotional depth.

The arrangements are lush and intricate without ever feeling overwhelming. There's a clear sense of purpose behind every musical transition, and the band's chemistry shines throughout. The album is brilliantly recorded, with a warm, polished sound that brings out every nuance of the performances. From soaring guitar solos to expressive keyboards and vibrant acoustic textures, OMNI is a sonic journey that leaves a lasting impression.

Karfagen has created a work of art that's both sophisticated and soul-stirring ? an absolute gem in modern prog.

4.3/5

Karfagen's "OMNI" is not just an album it's a journey. A radiant, multi-layered voyage through soundscapes that feel both timeless and refreshingly new. From the very first notes, it's clear that this is a labor of love and vision, meticulously crafted by Antony Kalugin and the brilliant musicians involved.

What strikes me most about OMNI is its balance it manages to be both complex and accessible, grand yet intimate. The compositions weave in and out of symphonic prog, jazz-fusion, folk, and ambient textures, all while maintaining that unmistakable Karfagen identity.

Melodies soar with emotion, rhythms evolve organically, and the instrumental interplay is just stunning. There's a story in every track sometimes meditative, sometimes playful, often uplifting. The transitions are seamless, and the dynamics flow like a well-told narrative. It's cinematic, but never overwhelming. It breathes.

The production is crystal clear, giving every instrument its space. It feels like you're inside the music, not just listening from the outside. That's a rare thing.

And while I'm grateful for the YouTube upload (thank you again, Antony!), this is one of those albums that deserves to be held in your hands. The artwork, the liner notes, the tangible presence of the CD or vinyl it completes the experience.

In short: OMNI is a triumph. A modern prog gem that pays homage to the classics while boldly forging its own path. I'm already on my third listen and discovering new layers each time.

KARFAGEN was initially noted for his MINIMUM VITAL and TRANSATLANTIC sounds, which brought a playful folk touch to his work. GENESIS, Mike OLDFIELD, UK, CAMEL, YES, GLASS HAMMER, and THE FLOWER KINGS are among his musical references, not to mention PROKOFIEV, GRIEG, and KORSAKOV for classical music.

"OMNI Part 1" on the first side features "Omni Overture," a clean synth from the GENESIS era, with thumping drums; a thunderous, airy intro that adds energy; it's sure to get people talking with its telltale brass. "Storyteller (Part 1)" follows, with Richard from CARAVAN and CAMEL singing with his suave voice on a marshmallowy track, aka melting, velvety, "Canterburyen." Softness and rhythm for new prog rather than symphonic prog: the important thing is to be carried. Michel ST-PÈRE (MYSTERY) and John HACKETT come to throw their notes to inflate the piece in modern mode. "Whispers from the Past" in folk variation with female voices and romantic choir; a flute, an air, a melody from medieval times. The interlude to settle down, in the vein of SUNCHILD. "The Spark" with Per MALMBERG (SALVA) as guest vocal, sound of ELO and again of GENESIS 3rd version. The brass amplifies the funky-groovy period of certain groups of the 80s, TOTO and the AOR which shines through, EARTH, WIND & FIRE on the other. The instrumental finale with Antony's keyboards shows his dexterity, his creation; FLOWER KINGS for the finale. "Masterplan" continues, keyboards in front; Soapy, cottony, apparently like Bodin, and Antony for me, singing too, in short, SUNCHILD with a rather common sound. The drift and the finale are worth much more, the nervous guitar setting this track alight before the flavor of the melting keyboard. "Mirror of Souls" concludes, a cinematic symphonic soundtrack with a grandiloquent baroque air; unrestrained prog with John's bucolic flute.

"OMNI Part 2" opens with "Unchained," marking the beginning of the second side, like in the days of CDs, LPs, and cassettes. Jean Pageau (Mystery) adds his voice, a moment of latency over a piano coulis; a slow drift and the melting solo arrives; it's very bucolic, very culinary, very neo-prog too. This solo is just perfect, rising in intensity and emotion; from reliable sources, it's definitely Max Velichko (Inside the Sound) who's having a blast on it. Jean takes control for a while but the solo explodes the song musically; melancholic outro piano and keyboard calmly bringing "The Cards We Play" with a new change, flute from John, singer Marco GLÜHMANN (SYLVAN) with his stamped prog voice, Richard for his bass and Michel coming to deposit their progressive doses. Antony amalgamates everything as a conductor to make this title the central spearhead of this side worthy of a baroque rock opera without naming it. Dark outro flute, guitar, keyboard and "You and I" appears, Bartosz KOSSOVICZ (COLLAGE) working his voice between that of Steven WILSON and FISH; an intimate, spleen, captivating new prog. The guitar solo returns to the emotions of English neo prog, more languid, sweeping away the question of having so many beautiful voices on this side; very warm. "Storyteller (Part 2)" ends the album with a chorus of velvety voices for the bucolic, rustic track; Richard radiates the most, as does Antony; the tune seems to have come straight from a Robert Wyatt album.

KARFAGEN releases OMNI, a musical journey that takes Antony's personal work far back with this blend of symphonic, aesthetic, and fantastical rock. Originally on profilprog (4.5).

Wow? just wow. OMNI completely blew me away. From the very first notes, I felt like I was being taken on a journey through space, time, and memory. This album is melody in its purest form ? beautiful, rich, layered ? and every song feels like a chapter in some epic musical story.

The vocals? Absolutely stellar. With Marco Glühmann and Jean Pageau lending their voices to this project, the emotional depth reaches a whole new level. They bring so much feeling and character, it's impossible not to get goosebumps. There are moments on this album that literally touched my soul ? those quiet, emotional passages that stretch into infinity. You just close your eyes and feel.

At the same time, OMNI is such a loving tribute to the roots of progressive rock. You can hear the spirit of the classics, but it never sounds dated ? it's alive, inspired, and full of heart. Karfagen have created something truly special here.

If you love prog, melody, emotion, or just great music ? do yourself a favor and listen to this masterpiece. Then listen again.

Congratulations, dear Antony!

I truly hope OMNI brings you the respect you so clearly deserve! It's been amazing to witness all the progress you've made over the past few years. Releasing such an outstanding statement like OMNI is, without a doubt, a major success. And with this album, you've undeniably stepped into the high league of progressive rock.

OMNI is a release that holds magical depth, filled with so many beautiful melodies ? something so rare in the modern prog genre. While many bands drift through chord sequences and layers of sound, I love when there's melody in music ? it's the heart, the core.

Speaking of the melodic core in OMNI, it almost feels like a musical. There are guiding themes, and all the excellent musicians involved feel like actors ? each one playing their role with meaning and precision.

I've listened to the album so many times that it's hard to pick a favorite track. They all work perfectly together, forming a cohesive suite. But if I had to choose just three, they would be:

"Whispers from the Past" ? A charming and hypnotic, almost medieval acoustic ballad. I especially want to highlight Olga Rostovska's voice ? absolutely beautiful!

"The Cards We Play" ? A true prog rock hit! It hooked me the moment it was released as a single. Marco Glühmann's vocals and Michel St-Père's guitar work bring magic to this 8-minute gem ? pure progressive rock delight.

"Storyteller (Parts 1 & 2)" ? I love both parts, but the second one brings tears to my eyes. A touching father-and-son story, full of emotional highs and lows? what a powerful acoustic piece.

"Dreams that broke, we turned to gold, Wounds that healed, stories told. Through the tears, through the strife, We penned the poems of this life."

I highly recommend this album. In my opinion, it will remain a bright chapter in prog rock history.