BABEL

The main melody wastes little time in establishing its credentials, with a masterful vocal delivery, as well as a restrained energy and the soft flute contrasts slam headfirst into opulent wind-blown mellotron, never a bad idea in my book, and just as the arrangement kicks in to full gear, a sudden acoustic guitar and voice duet changes the mood in an instant, the astute band playing the contrast game faultlessly, daring to infuse strings as well as the countrified pedal steel for another spin around the polder. Van Heumen and Jetten then take over the controls of the rhythmic onslaught, progressively raising the temperature on the underbelly, as the Middle Eastern flute and percussives dance along for the ride. Patiently waiting for the right moment to enter the fray, the dual fretboards come charging through the sandstorm, as if propelled by historical zeal. After the tempest, silence. Back to a sense of normalcy, I am reminded at times of recent Anathema in the keyboard/guitar combinations, as the emotions slowly buildup once again, the piano marking the pace, the lead guitar unable to hold back its emotions, both weighty and heartfelt, constantly adjusting the throttle, as if impatiently searching for an oasis of peace. Without question, one the finest 2025 epics, an exhilarating exploration of power and substance, full of vigorous intensity and profound reflection.

4.5 Towering nights