MUSICAL WITCHCRAFT

Widely known as the flutist of Solaris, Attila Kollar had a solid and consistent career as a musician and after Solaris were put on ice he went on to perform with the Art Pop act Napoleon Boulevard (along with most of the Solaris members).In 1998 Kollar attempted his first solo effort entitled ''Musical Witchcraft'' and released on Periferic Records.He was supported by all his Solaris bandmates except Istvan Cziglan, who sadly passed away the same year.

One would think that this would be a more flute-based version of the Hungarian legends.This is partly true as half about of the album sounds a lot like a slightly heavier version of SOLARIS minus the huge symphonic passages.Strong guitar solos with Shred and Classical tendencies are blended with dominant flute-drives performed by Kollar, the grooves are interesting and catchy and the delivery tight and highly energetic.Symphonic influences are not absent, just not that evident as in Solaris' early formation.So some very cool Classical-inspired flute parts along with some symphonic/orchestral synthersizers are still included and then is when the style is very reminiscent of SOLARIS.Add also the very dynamic flute/guitar battles throughout the release in the picture.But Kollar performs also many parts in a mostly Medieval enviroment with some lovely folky tunes and an ethereal archaic mood characterizing these moments.All these elements are epitomized on the long and interesting 19-min. ''Musical Witchcraft Suite'', which opens the album.Not much to be said about the rest of the album, as it follows more or less the same vein as the suite's movements: Alternating Folk and Heavy/Symph tracks of decent inspiration.

Lovers of the flute sound should definitely check out this album as well as dedicated SOLARIS fans.This first Attila Kollar work is mostly very nice all instrumental Progressive/Art Rock with plenty of folky vibes.Recommended.