THE INTRIGUE OF PERCEPTION

"Hypnos 69" is one of the very few interesting Belgian band currently at work. More heavy prog oriented during their first two album, they display a powerful music again but more polished. I guess that it is the use of a mellotron that irremediably relates them to "Anekdoten" during the opening track.

The addition of Steven Marx (multi-instrumentalist) on this album will bring a jazzy flavour noticeable during "Good Sinner" (but I prefer him while on the mellotron, but I mentioned already that I am biased with this instrument).

The sound of the band has evolved, that's for sure. A song as "Third Nature" is fully PT oriented. Its brilliant coldness is absolutely magical. This is my favourite song of this album and on the softer edge of the "Hypnos 69" offering.

One can't say the same of "Twisting The Knife". More related with their previous release. Wild and disjointed, this track is under the command of the powerful sax play from Steven Marx. Not really great, I must say.

There is even a rock ballad featured on this album. Well almost, because its finale is very strong again. But still "Islands On The Sun" is a jolly good way to break with the heavy "Twisting.". The work of Steven must be mentioned because he is so much present on this work (maybe too much). His sax play adds a definite VDGG feeling to the whole. But "The Next Level" lacks in serious song writing.

This is only a short and distractive number. The band is again on the good track with the subliminal "A Castle In The Sky". Hypnotic and repetitive, this beautiful piece of music should enchant any PT fan. Sumptuous, indeed. Another peak of this album.

Three stars. This band is really worth, do have a listening to it!