DRYAD

In the Labyrinth blends the sunless Scandinavian winter with near and far eastern mysticism. "Dryad" is quite a unique album that might be a bit overly long but features many fine moments. The approach seems to be aimed more at setting a mood than setting any fires, but unlike a lot of Scandinavian prog, that mood is more one of mystery than of mourning.

A variety of acoustic stringed and plucked instruments spar with traditionally progressive keyboards and flute, while Peter Lindahl sings sparingly but well, often backed adeptly by Helena Selander and Kristina Fuentes, especially on "Catch a Cloud", which unfortunately endures a slow death dissolving in acid for the last few minutes. Something that sounds like a sitar seems to be in almost every track, which ultimately contributes to a feeling of sameness here and there, but certainly not on " Muscarin Madness" or "The Night of the Baskerville Killer", both delightful songs depicting the musical equivalent of the Scandinavian fairy tale full of irresistible danger. Among the purely instrumental, the best are the opener "Lost in the Woods" and "Trident".

This intriguing album would get a better rating if a few of the less interesting instrumentals had been cut out, but it is certainly worth exploring in the labyrinth, especially for the fun of getting a little lost.