SURPASSING ALL KINGS

This is the latest studio album from the Russian Psychedelic band VESPERO. In the liner notes they thank among others BOSCH'S WITH YOU, SULA BASSANA and our own Uwe (Rivertree). I'm not sure how much Uwe paid them to mention his name but it was money well spent (haha).The music here is very melodic, spacey and laid back for the most part. I like the female vocal melodies as well that come and go throughout this album.

"Glass Rainbow (A Sign)" sounds interesting to start as it's kind of noisy with synths, drums and other sounds joining in as it builds.It settles after 2 1/2 minutes with female vocal melodies.Nice.Vocals stop 4 minutes in and the guitar takes the lead. Great sound here.The vocals and guitar continue to trade places the rest of the way. "Salma Simiere (Cross And Crown)" opens with guitar, bass and drums as sounds echo.I like this a lot. Female vocal melodies after 1 1/2 minutes. A change 4 minutes in as it turns intense and the vocals stop.It settles some 5 1/2 minutes in as the guitar comes to the fore and the vocal melodies return. "The Tower (XVI)" features spacey synths with a beat. It picks up before 2 minutes.The guitar leads after 6 minutes. Nice.

"Lino (Similar They Spake)" might be my favourite. We get a beat with bass and relaxed guitar all soaked in a spacey atmosphere. So good.The beat stops briefly 1 1/2 minutes in.Vocal melodies after 3 minutes and a more powerful sound. Spoken words in the background 5 minutes in. "Serata (I.N.S.I.E.M.E.)" has this spacey intro as drums join in followed by guitar and vocals. A calm 2 minutes in then it picks up a minute later. Female vocals before 5 minutes. It kicks in heavier a minute later. Love the guitar.A calm 7 1/2 minutes in and the guitar starts to make some beautiful noise a minute later. "Glide (Like A Swan)" is spacey to start. A beat kicks in around 2 1/2 minutes. I really like the guitar 4 minutes in. "Sever (Surpassing All Kings)" opens with loud sounds and spacey ones too.Bass joins in as well. Percussion around 4 minutes.

Many feel this is their best album yet. A solid four stars. Highly recommended to all space cadets.