BE

Another interesting concept album by the Swedish band, BE stands as one of the best prog metal albums in the last decade. In spite of many of his weaknesses, it represents a very interesting attempt from Gildenlöw and company to make a true artistic set of concept-orchestrated driven songs. This, of course, includes the archetypal (very known to "classical" music listeners) leitmotiv from the romantic era, which represents particular characters, moods or situations. This kind of recourse is used with intelligence and ability. On the other hand, we have an almost biblical theme that deals with questions of existence and mankind, of the idea of a "God", etc. that attracts - very productively - influences that range from Irish folk music to rhythm and blues/gospel, creating an extremely appealing blend of popular music that only prog music (I believe) can have. Maybe there's a point where lyrical theme becomes a little repetitive, and after listening to it several times the first impression wears off because you become able to see the technical simplicity of orchestration and a more or less repetitive insistence on the same motifs. Still, and overall, this is a must hear for every music (not only prog) fan and it is not a bad idea to have it in your collection.