NIMRODEL

First of all, let me say how pleased I was when this CD was finally released. Nimrodel is by far my favourite modern portuguese prog album, one that I have repeatedly listened and studied, and part of this is due to the mesmerizing music of Almuadem.

On one leve, the band has written music that works perfectly with the themes of the concept and helps to propel the story line. The music is beautiful, poignant, exciting and mysterious. Each passage fits so well within the context of the story.

On a grander scale, the band managed to dissect the society in which this story takes place to create a musical backdrop that is rich with multi-cultural references and styles. With his music, Almuadem has filled in the cracks of this world, providing us with a mélange of aural textures and nuances that make this imaginary place seem real in every way.

Anyone who listens to this album will agree that it has some sort of eerie while fascinating sound to it, and words are vastly unable and incompetent at describing it. Words like haunting and lingering are often thrown around quite casually when it comes to discussing this album, but I think an overall impending sense of tragic doom and artificial beauty describes it much better.

I have a funny feeling that anyone who has read this far into my review probably already owns the album, but if you don't, you should download it immediately. I rate it 5 stars, although it is not for everyone.

Bento X