ROKUS TONALIS

AVIVA is a side-project of Dmitriy Lukyanenko, a keyboard-player from Russian Prog- Metal band MASQUERAGE. Thanks for Archives for keeping me in touch with what’s on – it seems this is the first time that I WAS proposed a Russian band, not vice verse ;)

I’ve been expecting on a ELPish bombastic stuff and already set myself on a skeptic side. But despite programmed drums and lack of guitars, AVIVA managed to hold my attention and keep it thru first 6 or 7 tracks. They all were multi-genred and challenging, filled with funny noises and samples, ambient soundscapes, avant piano runs and fiery Moog solos…didn’t expected such variety in every track! Unfortunately, the last 1/3 of album failed to impress me – there were mostly atmospheric meanderings (except for short power piece and this choral entitled “Hymn”). I wish “Rokus Tonalis” would be deprived from these last 15 minutes…Anyway, no-one is flawless, so this guy definitely deserves attention. Eclectic and challenging Prog, and don’t you dare to take your nose away only because of programmed drums (which sound pretty enjoyable, btw)! Recommended.