PASSAGE TO THE FOREST OF MYSTERIOUS

Passage to the Forest of Mysterious is the new Karfagen release consisting of two CDs. The music originates from both the 'Echoes from within Dragon Isle' and 'Birds of Passage'. The first disc named 'Passage to the Forest of Mysterious' begins with 'Kingfisher and Dragonflies', obviously harking back to the '...Dragon Isle'. Our first epic track follows which is just over 14 minutes and is called 'World in a Grain of Sand'. The lyrics of which informs us that everything, no matter how small is representative of the much larger world. This track starts with a very happy beginning, lovely and uplifting, pointing the way to lift your spirits of which the musicians echo this sentiment. Wonderful organ passages overlapped with synths. All instruments represent the moods of birds in flight, the wind in the trees, the enigma of the forest. Antony's magic is utilising his music to enhance these themes, stories and messages. You close your eyes, listen with intent and you are swept up in this world. Of course Igor Sokolskiy's artwork substantiates this fantastical world beautifully. The music represents the highest quality of prog music including to my surprise some true moments in my opinion that is very King Crimson. What I also like is the small tracks interspersed between the long tracks. They are acoustic pieces basically that gives a calming beauty to this forest.

The second disc labelled 'Birds' is an interesting disc. Antony has re-worked the music from the 'Birds of Passage' sessions. This starts off with the 22 minute 'Birds (part 1)' being an instrumental version highlighting the creational musical elements from the original album. What is more amazing is even though this is representative of the 'Birds of Passage' album, it is also a brand new piece. One could say it is even an extension. This shows the depth and creativity of Antony. That he can revisit this past album and still compose a new opus that belongs and still distinguishes itself as a separate entity.

This 'Birds' version is full of high energy and delivers a sensuous, uplifting and invigorating sense of feeling. The same expert musicians provide their talent again. Both guitarists Mathieu Spaeter and Max Velychko do their magic, the energetic drummer Viktor Syrotin, Olga Rostovska's elegant background vocals, Konstantin Ionenko's creative bass playing, Maria Baranovska's cheeful violin and Elena Kushchii's flourishing flute encompasses the whole of these two discs.

Both discs have a familiar and unfamiliar listening experience. Even if you have both 'Echoes from within Dragon Island' and ' Birds of Passage', you won't regret buying this for further listening. If you haven't got these albums, after listening to this, you will want to buy both albums also.

More magic from the Master. Absorb it all with joy.