RITUAL

NEMRUD are back with their second release and the majority feel that this is a step up from their debut called "Journey Of The Shaman". I really enjoyed the debut myself as the band seemed to have a style similar to ELOY, and I think the complaints towards both bands are also similar as people point out the simplicity of the music and the less than average vocals. But for me Psychedelic music is all about creating a mood and being innovative. The vocals are secondary really and while the music may not be complex it really takes me to another place in my mind. By the way these guys are from Turkey which is where one of my favourite albums in the Psychedelic realm was created by SIDDHARTHA.

So we get four long tracks and they keep it under 40 minutes which is appreciated by yours truly. The story here is about a schizoid man who tries to face himself in his dreams for his own enlightenment. This one is darker and more melancholic than the debut.

Up first is "In My Mind" and it opens in an experimental manner before that melodic guitar comes in along with the drums. It picks up after 1 1/2 minutes then the vocals join in. He sings "Darkness grows in my mind...Fear erases the memories...The past is gone, in my mind...Courage releases unknown tales...Dreams appear in my mind...Shadow covers reality". The organ comes in floating as the vocals continue. Love the sound 6 minutes in, it's so uplifting as he sings "Welcome darkness, my restless friend...I am going to fly one last more...In my mind is only pain...All the memories are drained...Opened my eyes but I cannot see...What is being done to me?!?" The music turns heavy 8 1/2 minutes in when the vocals stop. Great track. "Sorrow By Oneself" opens in a very melancholic manner reminding me of a cross between FLOYD and PT. Vocals arrive as it continues in this laid back and slow moving style. A change 3 1/2 minutes in when the vocals stop as we get some interesting synth sounds and more. The guitar comes to the fore then it kicks in before 5 minutes but settles back quickly, although the tempo will continue to change. This is really good.

"Light" is by far the shortest track at just over 2 minutes. Spacey organ, beautiful guitar, and a relaxed beat as the vocals join in. "Ritual" is the final track and the epic at almost 18 1/2 minutes. Some eerie soundscapes here early on, and when the vocals come in the lyrics match that mood as he laments about being alone in the dark. The sound builds and seems to become more uplifting as it plays out. Incredible stuff right here. A change 5 minutes in as the vocals stop and the music becomes more relaxing. Vocals are back and I like when the guitar solos. It changes and picks up 7 minutes in. We get some light here as he sings about his fear disappearing and the music is more upbeat. An organ solo 9 1/2 minutes in when the vocals stop. He's back singing but the mood and lyrics stay positive. It all comes to a stop 14 minutes in, then it kicks in fairly heavily. It ends in an experimental manner much like the way the album started.

I couldn't give this anything less than 4 stars just like their debut.