STORM CORROSION

It is quite strange, that innovative music as this, from such household names prog, is not even at the top 100 of year 2012. Transcendent, oscillating from minimalist to bizarre, from occultist and ominous to ambient and serene... Steve Wilson and Mikael Akerfeldt have prepared mix of their extraordinary talents in a very unique way. Expect unexpected from both actors here, which is quite hard to imagine after they both done so far.

Albums starts with Dark Ropes which is full of grotesque depictions intertwined with bitter-sweet instrumental moments of anticipation which makes your heart pulsating in your throat. Wilson's voice sounds there like an evil witch, while Akerfeldt's is like judge bringing sinister conclusion. Utterly beautiful pastoral beginning of the title track is sensitively and slowly destructed, transformed to the scary dissonant tale, giving us light again with Akerfeldt's typical classical guitar licks. Wilson's psychopathic voice and romantic atmosphere recalling Hours of Wealth from Ghost Reveries end the track. Steady pulse of gloom and foggy perspectives with Wilson's isolated voice and piano of Hag turn into short mess which resembles Opeth's Heritage. Happy, where Wilson leads again, forming anxiety to which the light in the end in the tunnel is injected. Colors of hope implode into the space of grey swamps and taking us out of the maze. Wilson's Insurgentes's coldness meet Opeth's acoustic beauty.

Rush in the dark forest for survival - that is the vision which recalls me amazing instrumental ride Lock Howl. Nervous rhythm created by guitar strings leads the track among rich and wonderful melodic textures. Otherworldly closing piece Ljudet Innan starts with Akerfeldt's colossal high-pitched vocals unheard before. Darkness falls, sky parts away, stars shine, and you are engulfed into space, to the brightness of infinite scale of the Milky way. Guitars sounding like seagulls accompany you on the way. Pure tranquillity, serenity. Theme fluently progresses to a part recalling hangover and burn-out with Wilson handing over the lead voice. Final solo - majestic, but humble in the same time, lifts again heavenly atmosphere. It is one of the most touching moments of Akerfeldt on guitar ever. Nostalgic, sorrowful, but hopeful.

This album foments colourful imagery, so many various feelings. It's a true artistic achievement. Fresher and more emotionally disturbing than both previous efforts of Akerfeldt and Wilson (i.e. Heritage and Grace for Drowning). The top album of the year 2012 for me, outstripping great works such as Echolyn's latest eponymous album, Trevor Rabin's Jacaranda (which isn't even on PA) or Astra's Black Chord.