LAND OF CHAMELEONS

The new Karfagen album, 'Land of the Chameleons' ably greets us into this other world. Antony Kalugin has this surmountable ability of transporting the listener to magical places. The musical talent he imports is always of high quality as this band translates Antony's vision into chimes of wonder and beauty.

1. LAND OF THE CHAMELEONS The first song introduces the mood and feel rapidly. Antony sings almost immediately soon followed by the background singers enhancing this world we just stepped into. Naturally we get the spirited keyboards backed and supported by the sparkling guitar. Mel Collins type saxophone playing also ensues making this song a crystal and clear intro to this new collection.

2. AGORA BY DAY This 10 minute track to my ears has a familiar tone and temperament. Within 2 mintues we hear several themes all combining, blending and furthering a captivating chain of musical elements, leading into a fast paced mixture of keyboard, guitar and vocals reaching an endearing climax.

3. MY SHADOW The soft touches of the keyboards takes us to Antony's quiet singing and the ghostly guitar strains of Max Velychko. The gift of Mariya Panasenko's voice heightens the timbre of the piece with Marek Arnold from 'Damenek' playing saxophone adding to the mix.

4. DIOS PYROS PART 2 A sombre interlude running at 3 minutes. A blend of piano and saxophone that brings an air of curiosity. A certain bounce in the piano enters here backed by long synth notes ending in a wonderful and quiet bass guitar moment.

5. INTO THE KALEIDOSCOPE An anthemed symphonic intro begins this 11 minute track. Mostly keyboard driven with touches of guitar in the background enhanced by gracious saxophone . I do get hints of 'Dragon Isle' here a little which is no bad thing. In fact it highlights Antony's development. I also suggest to anyone to watch the video of this on Youtube. The animation is astonishing and incredibly inventive. Picture and sound truly complement each other.

6. JOURNEY TO A SHRINE This track to me is the reason to own this album. It has become one of my favourite Karfagen tracks. It begins with cold, delicate guitar tones that warm you up into a heated and exciting wealth of musical pleasure and enlightenment. After pulling back midway to a soft and endearing path, it then leads into an ethereal climax that leaves you breathless.

7. 2 MINUTES BEFORE THE DAWN This now brings us to the end of the album with another short track taking us to the dawn and with the warmth of the rising sun.

Again, Antony has brought to us his scope of symphonic beauty to the highest of quality. This is an outstanding addition to the Karfagen library, to any library. His music grasps his fantastical themes with passion and vigour. His music permeates the listener with joy, excitement, comfort and beauty. I gauge this album very high and would think Antony himself would be very proud of his accomplishment here.