DARK MATTER

Dutch musician Ernst van de Kerkhof, born in 1964, was involved is several projects since the late-80's under the guidance of guitarist Eddy Bopp, member of the Hard Rock band Vandale.They formed together the short-lived group Mystix, that split up in 1992, and the next year van de Kerkhof participated in the Eurovision contest, representing Holland.1995 sees him in the line-up of Dilemma, recording the ''Imbroccata'' album, then a couple of years later he released his solo work ''Wide awake'', surprisingly offered by the Japanese label Avalon.Two years later the same album was re-released with three bonus tracks under the title ''The dark matter'', featuring Bopp, Mystix'es singer Debby Nagi and several other guest musicians.

I admit that the first listening led to the false results of a mediocre album, because after several spin ''The dark matter'' prooves to be a really superb album with excellent songwriting and series of impressive, beautiful melodies.Basically the style is a mix of AOR and Neo Prog with a few ballads thrown in for good measure, but the most surprising fact is that I can find a striking weak moment in this album, despite the obvious commercial vibes.Several tracks could easily end up in a BOSTON or TOTO album, being delicate, melodic and pompous AOR compositions, but even these have something to offer: a Classical-inspired interlude, a great acoustic crescendo or simply an outstanding chorus full of emotion.Other tracks are closer to the sound of PALLAS, TRISTAN PARK or even GENESIS, led by full-blown synthesizers, melodic guitar lines, a few symphonic vibrations and tremendous vocal parts, placed mainly in the second half of the CD, like the great ''Nighteye'' or the long and melodic ''Fast asleep'' with the PENDRAGON-influenced bombastic keyboards.The few ballads appearing here and there are absolutely great, far from the cheesy songs offered by other bands, featuring sensitive vocals, multi-vocal lines and dreamy arrangements.

Since the release of this album, the traces of this man have been unfortunately lost and it seems this album will be his sole document that has been left behind.But do yourself a favor and track this down, because it is one of the greatest examples of well-crafted, accesible but also highly artistic Progressive/Symphonic/Pop Rock.Highly recommended.