BANKS OF EDEN

A super prolific band going on a hiatus? Shouldn't take a long time to come back to action! Flower Kings came 5 years later after a successful tour in 2011. The 2012 album feels like nothing has happened for the music is similar to the previous outputs. The first track was maybe meant to convince the listeners about it and it takes 25 minutes of some good hooks but primarily complex arrangements, moods and excellent playing. "For the love of gold" has both symphonic and Canterbury feeling, full of energy and Yes-inspired harmonies. "Pandemonium" is the most accessible track, somewhere between progressive hard rock and ballad. "Rising the imperial" provides some solemn keyboard lines and serious mood, maybe as a result of greater input by Bodin.

The Bonus CD is actually a good one, with no repetitions and more focused music, be it two instrumental tracks or shorter vocal tracks with a straight Yes-inspired "Going up" but not going for the one.

A very solid album continuing the strong FK history and message.