KATHARSI

I haven't actively listened to prog-metal (or heavy prog) for the last two decades - after being a fan, I just lost interest in the genre which passed its best times and became too predictable and often boring. A few days ago I found in my mail Mexicans Deep Limbic System's new album "Kathatrsi" and gave them a chance. I wasn't disappointed at all.

"Katharsi" is a really good album - a quarter of a century ago I would say it's a great album. The album's music, based on heavy keys, has all the good heavy prog album needs - guitar soloing, strong vocals, quite complex songs' rhythmic structures, changing tempos and tuneful songs. Myriads of influences, from Uriah Heep organ passages to Pink Floyd "space" sound, from King Diamond romanticized demonic atmosphere to Dream Theater classics - all are presented here, with taste and respect, without direct citation or plagiarizing. All album's songs are different, there is a musical development during the album's run. The music is well arranged and the recording sound is of good quality. And - what is more important - the whole album builds that specific "rock album's" atmosphere, which was quite usual for great albums from the past, but are very much missed nowadays.

I would be really glad to hear some innovations of a great old genre, or more original ideas in the album's music, but hey - I know pretty well that evolution has its lovers and haters. "Katharsi" is a great work for conservative listeners, and fans of classic heavy prog sound, and I am not sure how many such new quality albums are around nowadays.