ROKUS TONALIS

A suprisingly strong album that nobody expected, at least not from Russia! The mastermind behind, Dimitri A. Loukianenko, has certainly already heard a couple of prog-rock records before composing that one. The fact that he is multiinstramentalist, is not only impressive but also surprises with well constructed sound layers and instrumental variety. Drums are programmed which does not mean that they are monotonous, the overall sound is malformed, though.

Keyboards take the prime and most prominent role as Dimitri's home instrument.

Most notable influences include ELP and neo-prog.

As the album progresses, it runs out of steam and becomes too generic. Another weakness of the album is lack of emotions, it is purely focused on precise execution and being pompous.