RITUALS

Figured it was time to review this one after hearing a bit of a buzz about their most recent release. I haven't heard the new one but it must be a huge upgrade over this one. AGENESS are a Neo-Prog band from Finland, the vocals are the hardest thing for me to digest and they are in English.

"Ritual I" is a very short piece with ritualistic blabber. "Forever Returns" opens with a good full sound. Vocals a minute in, this is catchy stuff. Some nice guitar too after 4 1/2 minutes. "Chainsaw Murders" has this strange sounding intro before a good rhythm takes over. It then settles as vocals arrive. Another catchy tune. "Freeways" is uptempo with prominant guitar. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes with synths and drums before it kicks back in. "Polyphemus" is led by synths and drums early. Piano then vocals come in. I like the guitar before 5 1/2 minutes. "Hidden Space" opens with rain and piano as fragile vocals come in. It gets fuller before 5 1/2 minutes.

"Take Us All" features strummed guitar, synths then vocals. A beat follows. "Silent Partners" is uptempo but settles quickly with vocals. It kicks back in before 2 minutes. Tasteful guitar follows with bass and drums. "Problems" has some levity to it both lyrically and with the rhythm. "Ritual II" features acoustic guitar melodies throughout. "Mortal Wings Of sin II" is the over 10 minute closer. Marching style drums to open as vocals join in. Guitar and bass before a minute. Piano 2 1/2 minutes in. Great sound a minute later. A nice rhythm with keys. A calm with vocals and piano after 5 minutes. It kicks back in 7 1/2 minutes with some passionate guitar.The best track by far.

Sure this has it's moments but they are few and far between. Not a very good example of Neo- Prog in my opinion.