Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Oaksenham - Conquest Of The Pacific CD (album) cover

CONQUEST OF THE PACIFIC

Oaksenham

 

Symphonic Prog

3.74 | 61 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer
3 stars This is the debut album by the Armenian six piece band Oaksenham (including players on keyboards, violin and flute) that consists of experienced musicins who played in pivotal Armenian formations and founded Oaksenham in 2001. The additional guest musicians use a wide range of instruments, from harp and bassoon to oboe, French horn and clarinet. While reading about all those instruments and the tracklist that contains two Gentle Giant cover and a piece with music based upon Ian Anderson (Jehtro Tull), I got a strong idea about the music by Oaksenham. And indeed, Oaksenham their instrumental 'conservatory prog' is a tasteful and melodic blend of Classic Prog (like Gentle Giant, Yes and Jethro Tull) and classical -, chamber - and folk music. It reminds me of bands like Gryphon and the After Crying: the one moment a powerful bass, Hammond and fiery guitar are blended with French horn, clarinet or trombone, the other moment you hear flute and harpsichord or a harp intro, followed by a slow rhythm with Hammond organ runs, sensitive electric guitar and flute. I am delighted about the composition Water Spark in which a captivating contrast between heavy guitar riffs and a folky flute, accompanied by organ runs, twangin gguitar, flute and powerful bass, what a lush instrumentation! Not every proghead will be pleased with this kind of music but if you love music like Gentle Giant, Gryphon and After Crying, this band is worth to check out. My rating: 3,5 stars.

erik neuteboom | 3/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this OAKSENHAM review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.