VENI VIDI VICI

I thought that after twenty years of Progressive Rock I couldn't be amazed by anybody, but I was wrong, a few months ago was ANGLAGARD, a band which I had refused to take seriously for many years mostly because they were not from the wonderful 70's, now is the turn for PÄR LINDH PROJECT, casually both bands are from Sweden and both incredibly good.

This is the first time when I will do a 100% objective review, because the only PÄR LINDH PROJECT album I heard is "Veni Vidi Vici", so my opinion won't be influenced by any previous experience with the band, and my impression about this album couldn't be better, it's simply amazing.

Progarchives catalogues "Veni Vidi Vici" as symphonic prog, but I believe they are the only almost pure expression of Baroque Progressive, a non-existent sub-genre that could be perfectly applied to this band.

Par Lind plays an incredible variety of keyboards as the Church organ from Vårfrukyrkan in Enköping which is simply haunting and extremely strong, Blüthner Grand Piano (My favorite piano), John Sergeant Harpsichord, Hammond organs C3 and L-100, Mellotron, etc. and the guy is extremely skillful in every one. But what most impresses me is his style, perfect and far from being overplayed (something not very common in talented keyboardists and composers).

Also impressive is the beautiful voice of Magdalena Hagberg, not as operatic as Annie Haslam or aggressive as the incredible Christina Murphy (Magenta), only beautiful and more than adequate for the music, she also plays violin with great skill.

The first track "Adagio" is a short musical piece that leaves me wishing for a couple of minutes more, absolutely classical and beautiful, perfect overture for the album, specially when followed by the frenetic "Veni Vidi Vici" creating an almost shocking contrast between the classical and the modern, but this second track also has incredible organ interruptions that would make Johan Sebastian Bach proud of his legacy, a great track.

"Gradus ad Parnasum" has a strong piano introduction supported with impressive chorus and followed by the whole band, the next section is a soft male voice with a sweet music followed by Magdalena Hagberg with her wonderful voice, several times interrupted by hard rocking parts, this is the tonic up to the middle where a powerful baroque chorus and piano announce a very complex passage where the listener can enjoy all kind of instruments, the changes keep following one after the other, almost 14 minutes of Progressive Rock at it's best.

"Tower of Thoughts" is also another great track where the contrasts are simply delightful, if the Grand Piano interpretation deserves a special recognition; the ultra baroque Organ deserves to be applauded. Incredibly the next track "River of Tales" is just the opposite, calmed, soft and especially beautiful.

"Juxtapoint" starts somehow similar to Veni Vidi Vici but at the same time has a different approach, the changes keep the listener interested but dazzled, as a bright light confuses the viewer, the brilliant musical changes leave the listener perplex. From soft vocals (male and female) to powerful organ passages and a killer guitar section by John Hermansen. The things get a bit calmed with "Le Grand Chambardement" (Chorale) and "Adagio con Flauta et Clavicembalo a very short instrumental perfectly described by the name.

"Hymn" can also be described by its name, Magdalena's voice with baroque organ, a beautiful contrast of sounds, frightening and relaxing but carefully blended so there's no collision. Amazing technique, when the rest of the band enters the contrast is even harder because of the more modern sound with a dreamy violin and Hammond.

The album ends with "The Premonition" a great closer that starts with clear ELP influence that soon turns into a Wakeman like keyboard, amazing, the guy can play with the style of two of the greatest keyboardists with no problem, only in this track the bass is played by Marcus Jäderholm and the guitar by Jocke Ramsell, who do a hell of a job.

The drummer Nisse Bielfeld does a perfect job in an album where drums have to be precise and accurate as a Swiss watch.

Still after some days I'm confused but extremely pleased with "Veni Vidi Vici", a total masterpiece that deserves to be included in every musical collection.

Today I will rate the album with 4 stars, maybe when I fully understand all the aspects I'll give an extra star, the only thing I know for sure is that I'll be reviewing more PÄR LINDH PROJECT releases very soon because I plan to buy each and every one in the next days.