DISSONANT MINDS

FATAL FUSION are back with the album titled 'Dissonant Minds', a new collection of songs that should hook you with both epic drama and emotional soundscapes. These Norwegian guys weave together a riot of tonal colors into a dazzling musical stuff - very ambitious and eclectic - to prove that the ethos of 'Golden era' is still alive and kicking. High-caliber songwriting and performance offer a hypnotic exploration of retro- flavored progressive rock that's complex, haunting and unforgettable. Here, there's an odd sense of nostalgia (as if this was a lost record from the early 1970's which had finally found its way to physical compact disk). Being pretentious and diverse, melodic architectures infuse each track with its own unique character. The album kicks off with lengthy 'Coming Forth by Day' comprised of four individual parts, and it's difficult to tell which one is the most impressive. They all move through the musical landscape flawlessly, without resorting to cliche or pastiche. The consistent changes in mood and direction serve to keep the interest throughout. Enigmatic 'Another Day in the Duat' segues into emotive 'Memories of a Slave' followed by powerful 'Into the Underworld', gradually evolving to final 'Speak My Name'. Fantastic combination allows the talents of Stig Selnes (guitar department), Erlend Engebretsen (vintage keyboards), Audun Engebretsen (drum kits) and Lasse Lie (bass) to shine. The emotion laden vocals of Knut Erik Gr�¸ntvedt give an extra measure, as well as accentuating the individual skill of each instrumentalist. On the next number, 'Quo Vadimus', the core members team up with two special guests: Kjetil Saltnes who presents her nice flute, while Astraea Antal succeeds the guitar soloing. Musically, this 7+ min. piece falls into the scope of hard stripes interleaved with some soothing passages. The things turn into a different pattern on 'Beneath the Skydome', where the specific echoes of Pink Floyd can be heard - albeit without being a dominant factor. The album reaches its worthy final with an expansive epic 'Broken Man, pt.2', combining a lot of kaleidoscopic details, surprising twists and turns, different signatures and instrumental parts that walk their enthralling route forward. A monumental tapestry is divided over five segments glued together: 'Chained and Broken', 'Dissolving a Legend', 'Angry and Vengeful', 'Thoughts of Regret', 'Peace at Last'. And again, Fatal Fusion will coerce you to have a crossroad puzzle: dozen of influences, yet no direct comparisons. There are so many hidden depths and secret avenues to explore. Melodic, artful and catchy set makes up a powerful stuff which carries onto a wonderful musical journey serving like a medicine for our soul and spirit. Overall, CD 'Dissonant Minds' is versatile enough to earn a recommendation - particularly to those listeners inclined toward the adventurous style akin 70's progressive rock scene.