SURPASSING ALL KINGS

VESPERO's second studio output - most of the songs, five out of seven to be exact, are already featured on the predecessor 'Liventure N19' live album ... so I took the chance to compare with care ... which brings to the light that there are some differences concerning arrangement and atmosphere ... can't really say what I tend to prefer now ... the most significant example is The Tower - the opening swirling synth theme is equal for both takes - but then it drifts into different directions. Which even makes it more comfortable for the listener in the end.

Both albums feature the same line-up where I especially want to highlight Natalya Tujrina due to her unique voice and performance, although in my opinion nothing can surpass her vocal presence on VESPERO's live album 'Foam'. On principle the band offer instrumental space rock once again, based on a melancholic trance touch. On the contrary the drums and especially Arkady Fedotov's busy bass lines are often contrasting with a jazzy touch. This matters VESPERO's uniqueness and makes it worthwhile to check their music.

The title track provides the band's appeal as no other - Sever (Surpassing All Kings) is dominated by a melancholic spacey flow and a nervous bass. Unusual, an intended contradiction I'm sure, however not a problem for my ears, so much the more a really excellent trance arrangement. Salma Simiere is a versatile song showing different faces - drummer Ivan Fedotov convinces with a playful performance here.

As mentioned before at least two songs are completely new to me - the more I listen to Glide (Like A Swan) I'm impressed by the atmosphere - at first gliding like a swan on a pond with laxness it moves into a grooving and partially even rocking behaviour then. And the eclectic Serata finally shows male/female vocals and fantastic synth contributions, where even guitarist Alexander Kuzovlev drifts into a jazz rock style in between.

On 'Surpassing All Kings' VESPERO deliver an unique cosmic sound in their own inimitable way ... decorated with some native impressions, often venturing into jazz and even krautrock territories. So for me it's quite easy to claim: each of their albums offers some new aspects and is a recommended experience!