VIEWS, FEARS & STORIES

This one needed an extra call. Multi-instrumentalist Toni Jokinen aka Tony Riveryman pulls the strings here, accompanied by drummer Mika Korkeamäki, who unfortunately died at the end of the year 2015. Thus 'Views, Fears & Stories' also marks a memorial competition in some way, the album cover is showcasing a special remark. This of course implies that the basic drum recordings must have been finished beforehand already. By the way, who knows Ed Unitsky will soon recognize that the sleeve design has been accomplished by him, nice one as usual. According to the painting the album title makes sense, or maybe even the other way round. Riding on an airship offers spectacular views, probably forces some fears too. And finally, when coming back safe, you will have to tell some interesting stories for sure. This might be the starting point. Apart from that, I'm not good in exploring lyrics, the deeper sense. In most cases, here as well, they are a real mystery to me.

To make it clear, first and foremost, be it acoustic or electric, Toni absolutely convinces with his ambitious and versatile guitar playing on this heavy art rock and neo prog hybrid. Just take the outstanding classically tinged guitar solo Flower Of The Future, or the kick-off tune Passing The Chamber Of Insanity, which reveals an eclectic executing par excellence. The keyboards often are symphonic tuned, provided with rather dramatic expression. Unfortunately though, apart from the spoken word attempts, some limited and uninspired vocals are downgrading the overall impression, too bad. A matter of improvement concerning further efforts by all means. Nevertheless, according to the required technical skills Tony Riveryman has produced a proper prog rock album. The compositions are well made and enjoyable, especially the first two plus the extended Concealed Universe can start a real fire when it comes to me.