ECHOES FROM WITHIN DRAGON ISLAND

I can say it's a brave album - proper symphonic rock statement. It's beauty is hidden in its atmosphere.. it's not a collection of songs, it is an epic or rock suite with its story line, mood, so well crafted sound. It hooks you right from the first bars, first notes - symphony of light fills your life with joy! It's a mixture of vivid melodies and virtuosity of musicians. Real pleasure to hear bassoon and English Horn in rock music. And of course knob accordion! All 3 parts of a "story" are the highlights of the album - it's a journey into the world of a child dreams and imagination, based on a poetry of a great man - Robert Louis Stevenson. But I did enjoy the 2nd cd as well - first 4 tracks are more traditional Karfagen pieces - Flowing Brooks- with it's nice alto sax theme , was recorded during Messages from Afar: first contact album. And Winter Brooks was recorded during Lost Symphony- Aleatorica sessions. Antony also wrote, that incantation part 1-2 were outtakes from "7" sessions. So nice to here this material anyway. Across the Dark We Steer - was performed by Antony in 2013 in Belgium on the fest as the curtains opening - intro theme. Alight Again- studio version sounds powerful, it has longer synth solo in the middle and more Pink Floyd ballad taste - I like it. "Brave" solid album has an outstanding artwork- what a gem for PROG rock fans! I have a poster from Yes Fly from Here Japan edition album, it's in my room, so I can say that Konstantin Kanskiy work looks fab as well and this limited edition of the album has this sort of poster! Fro A to Z , solid album- music, Robert Louis Stevenson poetry, artwork. 5 stars indeed.