NOSTIMON HEMAR

"Nostimon Hemar" is a concept work based on the struggles of Odysseus to return to Ithaca. The band sees this tale as an allegory of current events in the world, as the famous Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis,described in an excellent way, to his poem "Ithaca".

I think that if the poet,could listen to this record,he was never be happiest.

Everybody could draw his conclusions about that, but the only conclusion for me, is that "Nostimon Hemar" continues to draw me in, even after repeated listenings.

This is a band of very good players for whom frequently changing and complex passages present no problem, yet they never play in a flashy manner simply to draw attention to themselves.

(I've been informed for new changes in the coming soon next release).

This is a story of struggle and this music is definitely filled with that energy.

Lead vocalist Ima is emotive and experienced enough to do a lot with her great voice. Occasional spoken verse in Greek and English emphasizes the theatrical quality of this excellent music.

Keyboardist Alix sounds like she strungles against difficulties to come back home, as Odysseus did. And she did it ! Through "Polyphemus" and the following "Circe" and "Tiresias" Alix utilizes common variations and ties these great tunes together conceptually. "Nissos Sirinon" is an epic at 9:11 and it is also the emotional and musical highlight of this release, with chugging guitar against regal Mellotron sounds. Gaining tempo and intensity as it goes on, it careens up against Kosta Savvides's acoustic guitar again and again in a crashing finale. A stronlgy recommended album!

5 stars