SUNSET GUN

KOPECKY's third studio release initially sounds as if anything hasn't changed since their debut in 1999. Though after listening throughout the album it reveals a slight change in the general mood and heavyness. Overall their sound became a tap "lighter", less metallic, at times almost cheerful, maybe a bit easier accessible but still very intricate. In addition they employ some interesting sound effects like a swarm of bees in the title track and some crying babies in "Creation's Brief Gift" working quite as well as an emphasis for the corresponding emotional mood.

Basically the brothers' powerful and complex interplay of guitar, bass and drums stayed the same on here as demonstrated well in the opener. "Ascension" has a nice symphonic touch by the introduction of some string arrangements. Next one "The Divine Art of Flying",a cool sitar-dominated track is the most cheerful and lightest one I've heard so far from them. This one does not sound that much interesting I've to say offering too little varation and only Paul K.'s explosive drumming style saves it from veering into new age territory. Though this album is generally dominated more by Joe K.'s guitar play "Selqet's Kiss" being the only track where his brother Bill is the man in action with his pumping and yowling fretless bass play. This one has a quite menacing atmosphere bringing GORDIAN KNOT into mind. But here as well some keyboard strings are adding up a nice variation to their sound. "Creation's Brief Gift" opens with the sound of a musical box before the mentioned crying babies are coming in and then once again we get a highly appealing and excellent interplay of guitar and bass, very melodic and not as tough as we know already from their debut. The amazing thing with this brotherly trio is really that they're not only virtuoso on each of their instruments but are playing as well exceptionally good together as a band without any unnecessary pointless solo escapades. Next track "Temptation's Screaming-Ground" has to be the most outstanding one on here bearing a highly textured symphonic sound, nice subdivisions with varying degree of heaviness as well great (not too extended) solos by all musicians. A really extraordinary instrumental prog metal piece clocking almost ten minutes. "Departure" finally is as well a very melodic but highly intricate track exhibiting once again a fascinating interplay of all three musicians.

Finally I've to say that it wasn't that easy for me to find an adequate rating for KOPECKY's third studio release, especially if comparing it with their debut (don't know yet their second one). But after listening to it again and again I can't refuse to give it as well a four star rating, since it's even more versatile than their first one. "Sunset Gun" could be considered as a good starting point for prog fans to check out this band.