THINK LIKE A MOUNTAIN

This is RITUAL's third studio album released in 2003. As others have mentioned the vocalist also sang on KAIPA's comeback album and the guy certainly can sing, the problem for me is that i'm not really a fan of his voice. Besides the usual instruments we get whistles, hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, recorders, violin, cello and more.

"What Are You Waiting For" sounds like World Music to start with some of those more obscure instruments.That changes quickly as bass, drums and guitar kick in then vocals. A calm 2 1/2 minutes in then back to that full sound. "Humble Decision" is mellow with vocals but it does get fuller as these contrasts continue. A violin solo comes in after 2 minutes. "Explosive Paste" is a top three tune for me as we get a fairly heavy sound here with vocals. Cool tune. "Once The Tree Would Bloom" features intricate sounds, vocals and a beat. Flute 3 minutes in. "Mother You've Been Gone For Much Too Long" opens with outbursts of sound as vocals come in. It settles back as the vocals continue. A change 3 minutes in as an intense instrumental section arrives. Strings 5 1/2 minutes in as it settles then that earlier soundscape returns.

"Think Like A Mountain" is another top three track.The vocals sound different here and I love the bass especially when the organ joins in around 3 minutes. "Mooman Took My Head" is one I can't get into at all.The piano and vocals are the focus early on. "Infinite Justice" is the final top three song for me. I just like how heavy it is, but that is contrasted with the lighter sections throughout. "On" is a World Music flavoured instrumental. "Shamanarama" kics in quickly with vocals. It's not bad. "Breathing" is mellow with reserved vocals. It's fuller a minute in as contrasts continue. "Off" is a short mellow piece to end the album.

I would think the majority of Prog fans would find lots to like here.