SEVENTH STORY

A long and elaborate conceptual piece is what we're served by Uzbekistan's Fromuz on this 2010 effort. And disregarding the opening and ending pieces, which first and foremost are conceptual theatrical pieces that I personally think falls somewhat flat, it is a fine effort for those who enjoy mostly instrumental progressive rock of epic length and with many stylistic variations.

The first of the epics, Parallels, kicks of with a theme that should sound familiar to anyone who have come across Canadian band Rush and their instrumental tour de force YYZ, and while the track twists and turns in several other directions in it's 20 minute span this theme is the constant factor there, and is also repeated later on this disc. The following Desert Circle is initially a dreamier affair, soon entering jazz and fusion territories followed by a brief excursion into hair metal territories before ending as it started.

The next three efforts - the brief atmospheric piece Bell of the Earth and the following epics Taken and Influence Of Time - are truly masterful efforts. All of them different, and both epics going from one stylistic expression and mood to the next with splendid ease. Intriguing atmospheres and fascinating themes of a darker, almost prog metal tinged variety and lighter, jazz-tinged smooth passages are perfectly intertwined here alongside symphonic sequences and some select passages featuring quirkier, more challenging efforts as well.

Seventh Story comes across as the most accomplished production by this band so far, but the conceptual theatrical pieces used to tie it all together is a bit of a let-down in my opinion. Without them, the first and last track in particular, this disc would have been pretty close to being regarded as a masterpiece in my personal opinion.