INGET NYTT UNDER SOLEN

Kaipa's second album sees the band still toying with the sound of their debut, but in a more structured and focused manner. Inget Nytt Under Solen is probably equivalent sonically to their debut. In fact, nothing much at all is different here. But I believe the band uses their great songwriting abilities and musicianship a bit more effectively here.

The 22-minute epic 'Skenet Bedrar' is the obvious centerpiece of the album, which is able to deliver melody after melody while still having a sense of cohesiveness. Not to mention the multiple dynamic sound, tempo, and mood changes which make this a rather interesting song.

The remaining tracks are all great in their own right. 'Ömson Sken' and 'Stengrodornas Parad' are both light and fun tracks, with the former having little Marimba melody near the end, and the latter being short, but quirky. 'Korståg,' and the title track are probably the strongest, and definitely show the strongest influence from Roine for which his signature guitar sound is all throughout both. The latter also has a few melodies which would be later reused in Roine's solo debut The Flower King.

Overall, I believe this to be a slightly stronger effort than the debut, even though it still isn't ambitious as some of the classic prog or some of the Flower King's output. Whatever it lacks in this area it certainly makes up for in melodic prowess.

7/10