NIVRAYM

Shit, this is a CD that grabs you by the balls and doesn't let go. For those of you who are not familiar with these guys, KOENJI HYAKKEI is the Zeuhl-obsessed side-project from RUINS drummer Tatsuya Yoshida. His main source of inspiration is the French group MAGMA, but Tatsuya takes those MAGMA influences to the edges of insanity. Add to that the frenzied bass and synth work from France's ESKATON, and the vocal weirdness from Italy's AREA, and you're in for some crazed prog rock.

The energy level throughout the CD doesn't slow down for a minute as you ears get blasted by Kobaian-like chanting, sections galore of maniac yet cartoonish guitar/synth/bass work, and rhythms that change almost every 4-8 measures. The second track "Becttem Pollt" has got to be one of the best prog rock compositions of the past decade. The instrumental section in the middle is so intense, and proggy, that you might even have to stop the CD to catch your breath. The one problem that I had with the last KOENJI HYAKKEI album, Viva Koenji!, was that, after the first track, the rest of the music really wasn't that memorable. Well, NIVRAYM, I'm happy to report, is not only more complex than its predecessor but is catchy from beginning to end. I can't find a weak track here. Overall, if you're into RIO, Zeuhl, avant-garde prog you definitely have to check this CD out.