SAFE ASYLUM

Review #23 Just a few days ago, Drifting Sun released their new album named as Safe Asylum. Safe Alylum has a fantastic cover, made by A Russian artist as Pat Sanders told me, but I don't remember the name to be honest. But in comparison with "Trip" this is better by far!

As for the music, it is clear to me that the band tried to create something different this time, in comparison with their previous album. 'Trip the Life Fantastic' was a lighter and more melodic album, with Pat's piano being the leading instrument on most occasions. It included shorter compositions and more "catchy" melodies. On the other hand, Safe Asylum is darker, with longer and more complex compositions, and because of that, it needs a few more listens in order to be appreciated. With every new listening the album "grows" in you, and then it is very hard to leave it aside. There are some similarities with the previous album of course, like for example the beautiful melodic passages and the strong guitar riffs and solos.

Safe Asylum includes 8 tracks (plus 2 bonus in the limited edition). 3 of them were included in last year's EP release, under the name 'Alice'. These 3 songs are: Alice, Vagabond and Emphasis. I am not going to get into details and write about each song separately, but I will mention my most favorite songs, which are the following: The Hidden Truth, Intruder, Desolation-Retribution, Wonderland and Gods. The latter is the highlight of the album. (In my opinion, of course).

Although Safe Asylum is a rather different album in comparison with 'Trip', it is equally good if not better. Definitely a very serious piece of work that deserves your attention! Recommended to the fans of modern Progressive Rock, Neo-Prog and to all those who can appreciate a well-structured album, with beautiful melodies and strong emotions in it. My Rating would be 4.0 stars.