FORGOTTEN INSIDE

Mavara are definitely a pionner in the Rock scene of Iran.The band was formed by keyboardist Farhood Ghadiri in Karaj in 2001 and was a regular performer around the Tehran and Karaj areas.The group suffered from line-up changes in its early stages, but in 2005 they managed to release their debut ''Ultimate sound'', sung in Persian with gifted singer Ashkan Hamedi on vocals.Four years later the band takes its first attempt on releasing an album in English.Year of release 2009 and the title was ''Forgotten inside''.

Several spins later you will definitely recognize the band had made the right choice.''Forgotten inside'' is a beautilful little treasure with sensitive melodies, accesible music and excellent vocals by Hamedi, the man has a unique voice, which sounds hoarse and emotional at the same time.Regarding the music, the album does not go after any prize of complexity or intricacy.This is pretty easy-going material with a creative style, flirting with Melodic Rock, Neo Prog, Electronica and even a bit of Post Rock and Alternative Rock, clearly influenced by Hogarth-era MARILLION and PORCUPINE TREE.The tracks are basically guitar-driven with nice rhythmic parts, cool solos and careful riffs around, while the keyboards play a rather supporting role to add some depth to the sound.The overall style reminds strongly of some Polish lyrical groups like MILLENIUM, ANANKE or LOONYPARK.As so, Mavara's textures are characterized by lovely lyrical soundscapes with a smooth instrumental background, but when needed they really can rock their boots out with more fiery and pronounced electric guitars.The material is trully memorable and well-composed with some pretty great songwriting.

A nice suprise from a land you shouldn't expect.Atmospheric Neo/Art/Melodic Prog with fantastic vocals and often monumental guitar parts.Strongly recommended, this band deserves your attention...3.5 stars.

I have a personal interest in this particular band. Mavara is a prog rock band out of Iran that has recently set up shop in New England, USA. In fact, they have been touring the east coast and have even made the local papers (always good to hear a prog band do that). I've become acquainted with their neo-progressive style and I simply love it. Therefore, I have a personal interest in seeing this band succeed.

Mavara, in a word, are "lush". That's what I get over and over from their music. There are no empty spaces. There are no "this could really use a little more..." passages. The music is full and fluid. The core of their sound, in my opinion, is the ethereal application of piano and synth. This impressive foundation is bolstered even more by the excellent guitar work and solos. Add a dash of powerfully mixed drums and then a bass that won't quit, and you'll have an idea of what makes Mavara tick. On top of all this, however, are Ashkan's vocals. His one-of-a-kind voice is melodic and perfect for harmonizing with the fluid feel of the keys. He is grounded, but also quite emotional in his work.

On this particular album, "Forgotten Inside", the band really established themselves. While I do enjoy their newest album, "Season of Salvation", more than this one, I can hear the making of the lushness here. "Forgotten Inside" is intensely emotional, and also quite varied musically. "Something is Lost" is synthy and groovy, while "Old Pain" is slower and very personal. Ballads and rockers abound, but anguish-filled lyrics are a constant, too. Mavara are certainly talented, and I see great things in their future.