D'ACCORD III

Today I am lucky in my journey through new prog. Earlier today I enjoyed Lazuli and now I am appreciating D'AccorD. For people who don't know "D'AccorD" is a Norwegian band which made their debut album in 2009, another one in 2011 and now 2014 their third "D'AccorD III" has been released. Until now 2014 hasn't been Sweden's but Norway's year in prog. Many of the best records until now from this year has come from our neighbour in the west.

The cover is artistic. An orange colour and a delightful eye with a mermaid and a wave build up it. The album's line up is Daniel Maage who sings and plays flute, Årstein Tislevoll who plays keyboards, violin, guitar and mandolin, Fredrik Errol Horn who plays keyboards and saxophone, Stig Are Sund who plays guitar, Martin Sjöen who plays bass and Bjarte Rossehaug who drums. These six persons have done a wonderful reocrd that I think you all will like. From the first moment to the last it's energetic and full of examples of great music. "D'AccorD III" starts perfectly with "These last todays" a grande and mightly song with many instruments and we hear from the beginning that the singer sings very well(10/10). I find similarities with the vocalist in Beardfish's voice. Besides the first song the two "Mon-Sat: Part I & II" are my favourites(10/10). These songs have a particular lovely melody and a lot of similarities with Genesis. The keyboard line I think has connections to Trespass. "Song for Jethro" is more acoustic and must be a tribute to Jethro Tull(9/10). "Ibliss in bliss" is another example of great hard rock(9/10). D'AccorD also has a lot in common with Uriah Heep which could be heard in "Mr.Moonlight"(8/10). I could compare it with Uriah Heep's "The Wizard".

This competent and complete band are a perfect discovery for people who love traditional prog rock and traditional hard rock. Fans of the bands I have mentioned should check this but the band has its own characteristics too. The vocals, the guitar and the keyboards together with the rest do a great job. I'd give this record four strong stars today but then I am needle. I think this could be worth five stars so you know. Try for yourself!