EPISTROPHOBIA

Not to be taken that literally, but writing a review about this album caused some headache, and needed time. Yes, this is an epic monster - meant in a positive sense strictly seen - though sometimes genius and insanity are not too far apart from each other. So it comes that every listening session took me and still takes me on a different ride, being fascinated in principle afterwards, though occasionally also torn. At first, and I would argue there won't come up any doubts in this case, I should honour Thomas' artistical finesse. Technically seen a top notch job. He appears to be a prolific multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and music producer in a body. Besides the instruments which are regularly given concerning a rock music production, I can hear some saxophone and viola too.

Everything is played, recorded, produced by himself to assume, which generally offers the possibility for a bunch of adjustments in the aftermath. Though probably not necessary if you are well prepared. 'Epistrophobia' again delivers an epic, cinematic event, subsequent to the 'Fragmentropy' suite from 2015. And a third partition is announced for the year 2017, what I know. Above all the guitars are well appointed, soaring psych here, heavy metallish there ... and everything else in between. There's dramaturgy pure to state over the course. Artist T makes his own thing on a high level, come what may. In addition to that, just while putting the cherry on the cake maybe, a warm welcome if you will like a blend of a Hogarth melancholy and even more of a Bowie inspiration, and this not exclusively when it comes to the vocals. What if Not for example shows some clear references to Major Tom amongst others.

'Epistrophobia' evolves like a rollercoaster of feelings, an astounding eclectic suite comprised of symphonic, neo and art rock ingredients. When coming back to the impression 'torn', this occasionally seems to me like appearing with a very intellectual approach, 'kopflastig' we say in German, not easy to digest, as if overachieving, like too much of a good thing. But then again sounding very coherent in its entirety ... well, if you like please ask me in a year or so, and I'm probably willing to queue this as a progressive rock masterpiece. We'll see. In the meanwhile I recommend to have a thorough listen from time to time. It's well worth, won't be a tiresome issue, I can confirm.

Having not exactly been a raving fan about Thomas Thielen's 2015 album, I wasn't looking forward to listening to his latest work, but whereas last time I was on the wrong side of being impressed, this time nothing could be further from the truth. There is something about the soundscapes, the music, the songs that this time hit the nail every single time. I found myself thinking of King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, Geoff Mann, Muse, Marillion, Radiohead and a whole host of others, and listening to this intently as I wanted to know where the journey was going to take me, as from one second to the next I just couldn't be sure what was coming.

It is an incredible piece of work, draining in its sheer intensity and inventiveness, and it is almost impossible to realise that this is the work of just one man. Whereas the last album suffered from an outside point of reference to provide control and restraint, this album is only possible with just one person has the musical vision and the skill and tenacity to see it through to the end. This is modern progressive music that has no thoughts as to whether it is commercial, and is all the better for it. In many ways it is challenging, as there are so many diversions from the main musical path, yet for all the chaos and confusion there are also large elements of musical clarity where it soars and shines, all the more so for the contrast.

It is a stunning album, nothing more or less.

German project t is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Thomas Thielen, formerly of German band Scythe but now with a solo career that has been ongoing ever since he released his first album using the t moniker in 2002. "Epistrophobia" is his sixth full length production, and was released in 2016 through German label Progressive Promotion Records.

Those fond of sophisticated, atmospheric laden progressive rock that, at least as I regard matters, may well be described as a contemporary take on neo progressive rock, those are listeners that in my view should feel right at home with t's CD "Epistrophobia". Existing fans can safely add this one to their collection, new listeners can probably pick and choose freely among all his albums so far for a good impression, this one should be as good as any other to start with if you desire to get familiar with the material of this German artist.