BACK IN THE WORLD OF ADVENTURES

The Flower Kings second CD (yes, I´m one of those who consider Roine Stolt´s The Flower King the group´s first release) is an absolute delight to hear! A wonderful piece of modern prog that really won my heart (and ears). Although I stil think Retropolis is their best ever, Back to The World Of Adventures is a very close second. The music is an incredible mix of many 70´s influenced sounds played through a modern band to give a very unique sound. Kind fo Yes meets King Crimson meets Frank Zappa, with touches of Pink Floyd and Genesis here and there. Still, their music is original and no wonder they are truly one of the kings (no pun intended) of progressive music in the new millenium.

Actually they are still goind strong, but their new releases never achieved the impact of the initial albums like this one. All tracks are good and unlike so many of their latter day effords, there is no real filler material here, and we´re talking about a 70+ CD! I think Theme For A Hero is one of their very best songs (and their best ever instrumental track). The musicians, if you didin´t realize it yet, are superb. Stolt´s songwriting is at his peak and the prodution is very good. Back In The World Of Adventures is the first album to feature the classic TFK line up, minus vocalist Hand Fromberg. This CD is the only Kings release to feature Stolt as the sole singer in the entire disc.

If you enjoy symphonic progressive music, this is a must have. Like all TFK output it may take a few spins to really get into this colorful rainbow of sounds. But once you get it, you´re hooked. A modern day classic prog record.. Highly recommended.