LAST EPIC

This 2001 output from this anomalously positive and finely eclectic swedish band is probably the pinnacle of their creations so far, and one of the most enjoyable progressive albums of recent years. The band is not afraid of showing its musical proficiency throughout this dense work, but what is most interesting is that they hide such solid technical background under narrative and expressive purposes. The perfectly balanced sound production supports all instruments and tracks with crystalline cleanliness, which allows the listener to deepen into the layered textures of the album with ease and pleasure. And there is a seemingly optimal balance also in the use of instruments in the rich arrangements of all tracks. The band explores many moods and atmospheres, linking all transitions with a detached, subtle irony which emerges in moments at times funny, at times tragicomic and melancholic. It is difficult not to be transported by the richness in musical expression and content, everywhere remarked by top-notch musical performance and cooperation among instruments. Harmonies are very articulated (very tasty use of minor chords to top off though chord progressions that adds to the tragic and expressive power of the music), the songwriting is highly structured and calculated. These are among the highlights of the album. While the later "Silence" strives to keep the same output quality turning nonetheless to a darker overall sound, "Last epic" fully embodies that masterful property of developing all musical themes to the point just prior to the inception of boredom in the listener, suddenly turning into variation on themes, complex rythmic additions (odd signatures, shift in rythmoc stresses that reinvents the interpretation of the exposed material) or introducing new ideas that add further content to the piece while keeping their consistency.

Highly recommended to all lovers of expressve though complex, positive and energizing yet technically-proficient progrock!

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