MARCHING INTO OBLIVION

I consider myself lucky to have both Darkstar albums in my possession for a couple of reasons: both records are out of print (rare to find at the moment) and the fact that I am a huge fan of Psychotic Waltz i.e. anything that the band or its former members are involved in lies within my interest areas. Marching Into Oblivion is the first effort of Dan Rock's (guitars, Psychotic Waltz) side project with Siggi Blasey. The recording has taken place during the times that P. Waltz were still active and this is evident from the number of constructive and inspiring ideas flowing throughout the album and the similarities to albums like 'Bleeding'.

Side project instrumental albums are often treated with suspicion, and this album could not have been the exemption to the rule. Carrying over his obvious, distinct playing from previous recordings to this album, Dan Rock incorporates a number of different elements to make this a one-of-a-kind effort. The sound is influenced by late Queensryche but also Mike Oldfield's works (!) and this proves the diversity in the final result. Numerous samplers are included to 'dress' the album with a 'modern' atmosphere, despite the simplicity in the structure and the use of instruments. There are not many sophisticated parts that would compare to early P. Waltz works, but there are several magnificent, melodic compositions that make the project's first effort to stand out in my discography.

There is a lot of sequencing involved and it is obvious that this recording is not about 'crystal' production and accurate virtuosity, but a mixture of some excellent concepts, mainly from Dan Rock and, at a lesser extent, Siggi Blasey. The majority of ideas derive from the guitar riffs, with the keyboards contributing to the final, often melancholic and less often aggressive, outcome. Fans could easily pick out the similarities in the guitar work between this recording and the last two P. Waltz albums. Whilst the majority of the tracks is following a more-or-less similar pattern, the only one that can make you feel uninterested is A New Beginning, consisting of a slow tribal rhythm and a repetitive sample. Overall, I consider this a 'hidden' gem of experimental/prog metal.

Putting my best effort to escape my subjective views, this is essential for P. Waltz fans and a worth-mentioning inclusion to your prog-metal discography.