AHVAK

Ahvak's debut album is a fine export from Israel, a pleasent surprise which shows great care and dedication, rich musical imagination and deep technological knowledge. It sets high standards which very few local bands will be able to surpass. Nothing on this album came easily - Every second is a product and living proof of thought, care, learning and a keen will to surprise and shock. Although I would easilly remove those two short tracks (3rd & 7th) and replace the hedious cover art with something else, it's still the best prog- rock effort from Zion to date. It will probably NOT be appreciated well here in Israel, since the underground scene is achingly small in size, but that's fine: Ahvak's eyes are firmly fixed on USA, Europe and Japan - not Tel Aviv, Haifa or Jerusalem. My score is: 9.5/10.