BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE

This is a near perfect Symphonic Prog album in my view. Very under-rated, it is sad that this masterpiece is not more widely recognized. The band creates very melancholic dreamlike atmospheres and features sad airy flute and chilling synthesizers as their dominant instruments... all held together by a rock solid rhythm section.

Nightwind is one highlight. Ethereal melancholic flute swirls through the atmosphere like a cloud while notes from sorrowful piano arpeggios hit like droplets of rain against a window on a grey day. This is very emotional and melancholic music. There are more complex uptempo parts featuring a very good rhythm section... but even when they are rocking there is an everpresent air of sad fragile beauty.

Northern Lights continues in the same rainy style with beautiful flute passages accented by excellent but gloomy and cold synth work and understated yet effective guitar playing. The closing two minute section of this song features one of the most awe inspiring and captivating themes i've heard in the entire Symphonic Prog genre. This is totally on par with anything Genesis ever composed in their heyday. I can get lost in this music all day.

Boundless is a shorter song but features the best lyrics on the entire album... so sad but somehow uplifting at the same time. This is the most vocal-centric and straightforward song on the album and they pull it off very well. I'd like to take this time to talk about the vocals: they are heavily accented and may not be everyone's cup of tea... they could be the biggest stumbling block for people trying to get into the band at first. I urge you to give them a chance though... they fit the music perfectly and likely WILL grow on you after a while.

Dedicace features my favorite single musical passage on the album; the opening flute theme is so beautiful and trance-inducing it can bring tears to your eyes! After the mesmerizing dreamy intro, the song gets much harder and sounds close to late-70's Rush for a brief moment. I also hear bits of early 70's Yes in the mix, as well as maybe some Focus and definitely a healthy does of Camel influence. The bass playing on this track is excellent, as are the drums.

Lost In A Dream Yell may be my very favorite song here! Rain storm sounds introduce the track and perfectly compliment the band's delicate playing and dream-like bittersweet vocals. Gorgeous piano droplets again... followed by some lovely Moog-like synth parts. An excellent flute solo dominates the second half of the song... such a magical, enchanted sound.

The last track is a departure which sound a bit like a spy movie theme. It's a weird way to end such an album, but it somehow works and I like it. Still, my least favorite song.

I plan to be stingy in my reviewing career with my 5-star ratings... but this album is a masterpiece if i've ever heard one! 5 stars!