THE GATHERING LIGHT

Not quite sure where to start with this review, on first hearing I dismissed it as I was listening to other material and then decided to try again... And I'm so glad I did, this album simply rocks, it's awesome!! Ian Jones has scored massively with this!

Having thoroughly enjoyed the last album DELICATE FLAME OF DESIRE (2003), I must admit I was disappointed to hear of their demise, and the subsequent releases in their new bands hadn't pushed the right buttons, so I was wary, but interested in hearing of the resurrection... The vocals of Ms Fury are vaguely reminiscent of EVANESSANCE or LUCUNA COIL, the melodic lines of say perhaps CAMEL, but the fusion of all the parts is most definitely KARNATAKA.

Lush keyboards, soaring guitar and excellent drumming throughout tempered by very competent vocals, a few little niggles but certainly nothing to really detract from the whole, each and every track is delivered with aplomb, driving the listener forward with each re-listen, and yes I have been playing this now repeatedly for the last few weeks, memorable melodies, and above all the correct allowance of progressiveness, each piece is allowed to develop and move on naturally. There are absolutely no fillers every track adds and enhances the whole experience.

I have absolutely no qualms in awarding this the full 5 stars, and will continue to listen to this album over and over again, that delivers in bucket loads.

I really can't see this album being surpassed this year, it's that good, it certainly gets my vote. I hope there'll be a follow up sooner than that seven year gap, and I hope that it continues where this one has left off. Recommended to all who love a great melody, appreciate superb musicianship and especially want to be taken on a thoroughly satisfying musical journey.