PATH OF DREAMS

This was such a pleasant surprise for me. Like others have said this one is a grower, and that may be in part because of how complex it is. This album sounds more like a Heavy-Prog album than a Metal album, and I should mention the rough and theatrical vocals that do bring Peter Hammill to mind. 7 of the 11 tracks are over 7 minutes.

"Prelude:The Gates Of Hypnos" is an opening instrumental that features piano melodies throughout. "Communion" has more piano in the intro before a full sound arrives a minute in. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. Piano continues throughout, but this one gets pretty heavy at times. "The Bride Of The Wind" is an instrumental. It is pastoral to begin with but organ, drums and bass come in quickly. The tempo and mood changes throughout. I can't tell you how much I adore this tune. Just listening to the drums and other instruments is a pleasure. "Sex" is the longest song at 10 minutes. It opens with uptempo blasts of instrumental work like SPOCK'S BEARD before it settles with a dark vibe. Scorching guitar takes over just ripping it up as drums pound. Nice. Raw vocals 2 1/2 minutes in. It calms down before 4 minutes with what sounds like mellotron. The guitar takes over 7 minutes in and is quite hypnotising as it continues to the end of the song. "Interlude : Between Eros And Thanatos" is a short one minute track that features piano melodies throughout. "Band Lauft" opens with some good heaviness as guitar and drums lead the way. The tempo picks up after a minute. It continues to shift. An atmospheric calm 2 1/2 minutes in. A catchy beat comes in around 4 minutes. Nice heavy sound to end it.

"Kaos" is hard and heavy and the guitar reminds me of the band TIME MACHINE. Chunky bass and pounding drums are excellent. Deep and theatrical vocals 2 minutes in. Organ after 4 minutes. Lazy guitar melodies before 5 1/2 minutes are great. Big finish. "Onrios" is more uptempo but still fairly heavy. It settles down when vocals come in after 1 1/2 minutes. Heavy after 3 minutes. That contrast continues. That TIME MACHINE sounding guitar is back. It ends with acoustic guitar after 8 minutes. "The Cage" is dark and atmospheric to begin with. A full sound after a minute. Organ 2 minutes in as vocals follow. Powerful organ runs 4 minutes in. Awesome sound. "Maj Di Muart" is heavy early but it calms down after a minute. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. Sounds like accordion before the vocals by the way. A great heavy sound after 4 minutes. Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes in with pounding drums. Some ripping guitar after 8 minutes. This sounds so good. That accordion sound is back 9 minutes in. "Mortal Maj" is the concluding track that is filled with piano melodies much like the intro.

An acquired taste I would say, but those fond of heavy complex music with some variety would do well to check ths album out.