RETURN OF THE ARTISAN

This UK band was established in 1985, the original group is Andy Lawton (vocals/guitar) and Brian Donkin (guitar/vocals). The last release of Final Conflict is the Cd/DVD "Another Moment in Time - Live in Poland" published in 2009. Moreover, with this release the band presented their two new recruits, Barry Elwood on bass and Henry Rogers on drums, for your information be aware has played with Touschstone and DeeExpus. So three years after this live but six years after their last studio album here is that it provides us with "Return of the Artisan. And immediately say that they make us a gift back.

After "The Calling", a short vibrating introduction where the new rhythm section is given till, British formation enters the heart of the matter with the excellent "The Mechanic". This song offers the listener a series of sequences simply magic. The two guitarists playing in complementarity, one doing roar his instrument, the other developing a melody whose harmonies are entangled with the climbs of keyboard. All is powerful and carried out a range of styles ranging from the metal to the Symphony almost all punctuated by real narrative in place. Hats off for Steve Lipiec for his work on keyboards including at the piano, with the short instrumental "The Spark" whose theme is taken up in intro of the title "Hopes and Dreams". By the way, this "Hopes and Dreams" proves to be a great wealth, the use of Hammond sounds is for something and guitar games can bring back you to a Nick Barrett without losing its personality.

The inspiration of Final Conflict does not stop there, as with "Around About", the voice, the game of the synths and guitar make this title a time beautiful. On "Babylon" is the more sensitive side of the group, which is presented once again the set of keyboards is delicate and very fair, while the guitar, for its part, will be in the vein of Pink Floyd. With "The Harlequin" is the Henri Rogers set that holds the attention, not to mention the Steve Lipiec synth solo, which is masterly. "Keeper of Conscience" follows this title demonstrates the versatility of the group at the level of the compositions. Hypnotic piano cadenza, a throbbing guitar and a feeling-impregnated song make this title another moment of "Return of the Artisan". And it is not over because it's with just the title song that ends the album. The tempo is powerful and catchy, once again the game's protagonists is excellent. Final Conflict confirms the overall excellence of this album.

With this album, Final Conflict presents a renewed group that has found its balance and a dynamism that makes us good. If some of us believed the group in lack of inspiration, be aware that this is the return of these artisans of the progressive. This album is filled with delicious moments for the ears, do not pass side, because it is one of the must-have of the year 2012. Be warned!