CONSERVATION OF MASS

Out of Canada comes a new magnificent band named HAMADRYAD with their debut album "Conservation Of Mass". According to the press kit "In classical mythology, the HAMADRYAD was a wood nymph fabled to live and die with the trees to which she was attached. Her mission was to be the link between the mortal and immortal entities." HAMADRYAD is blending Hard Rock with Jazz, Pop and 70's Progressive and Symphonic Rock. They are quite original, but here and there you can hear traces of possible influences. They have vocal harmonies that remind of GENTLE GIANT and SPOCK'S BEARD, and musical arrangements that makes you think of DREAM THEATER, GENESIS, KANSAS, KING CRIMSON, RUSH and UK, but most of all YES. The vocalist Jocelyn Beaulieu reminds of Jon ANDERSON of YES. There are lots of vintage synthesizers such as Hammond B3 and C3, Mellotron and Mini-Moog. The musicians are exceptionally professional and they're performing the intricate compositions with astoundingly perfectionism. But although their technical skills and the lengthy instrumental passages the melodies seems to be the most important thing, because they are really good, almost catchy. This is a very interesting and diverse album with many directions musically. It will keep on spinning in my CD-player for years to come. Perhaps some may find it too challenging, but that's what Progressive Rock is all about. "Conservation Of Mass" is a highly recommended masterpiece that probably will end up as one of the best albums this year!