RITUALS

Being a huge fan of progressive rock, I find Ageness really entertaining and innovative. Rituals is their masterpiece by far. The production and playing here is even better than on their previous album Showing Paces, and most of the songs are excellent. The material is also varied enough, something I wouldn't say about the debut album. There are some powerful and symphonic parts, something rhythmic and complex, some experimental, a little bit of humour, lots of acoustic moods and very bizarre lyrics... So, what more do you need to make a good prog album? Originality, you say? OK, it's not the most original album I've ever heard (not even close). Still, this is perhaps the best neo-prog album ever from a Finnish band.