THE GODDESS OF DARKNESS

ARS NOVA are an all-female trio from Japan. I was introduction to their music at the 1995 Progfest in Los Angeles, and I left that night impressed with the band. Not only have the three musicians mastered their respective instruments, but the keyboardist's compositional skills are impressive. "Goddess Of Darkness" is considered one of ARS NOVA's strongest album to date. Obvious influences include ELP, IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO, and GOBLIN. The keyboard-based music is quite intense and in-your-face, and it tends to feature a sound that is uniquely Japanese in nature. Their bassist, who unfortunately quit the band a couple of years ago, is impressive here. She plays complex lines, on a Rickenbacker bass, that would blow-away most Chris SQUIRE fans. Along with Marc Miller, bassist of YEZDA URFA, I'm surprised that she hasn't been mentioned in the bass community. Overall, this is recommended to fans of intense keyboard-based prog.