THE MYTH OF DYING

To my ears The Psychedelic Ensemble´s second studio album is one of the most fresh sounding and profound releases of 2010 both thematically and musically. This synthesizer-heavy neo-prog frenzy, written mainly in minor key and played with heaps of distinctive synth effects and odd time signatures is especially powerful when added the well-crafted concept that has inspired the melodies and lyrics.

The Concept

According to it The Myth of Dying is a musical journey that follows a deceased young poet through his afterlife. Each of the nine cantos represents one step of his spirit wandering through different realms of eternity - brilliant lights, the black star, hell etc. Excerpts from famous literary sources like C.S. Lewis, William Blake, Dante and others are combined in the lyrics to support and create an original vision of the afterlife.

The Sound

Although very little is known about the solo artist who forms The Psychedelic Ensemble (as he perfers to remain anonymous) his work is outstanding. The instrumental base for almost all songs on this album are multi-layered and fast-paced synthesizer movements accompanied by longer and more psychedelic backing riffs with occasional contribution from accoustic and electric guitars. As some of percussion and bass line is also played on synths, the overall sound is rather electronic. In that sense the album reminds largely the soundscapes from Jordan Rudess´ 2007 release The Road Home and in some cases also Ozric Tentacles.

Despite heavy synths the album is still surprisingly versatile. Probably a lot of it has to do with quite original vocals and humble melodies that somewhat add oddity to this otherwise psychedelic chaos. Each song takes in a slightly new perspective. For example in The Devil´s Proffer we can hear influences from late King Crimson (Similar whiny vocal distortion. And I swear I can see Tony Levin every time I hear this bass line). The Devil´s Lament on the other hand is based on blues rock guitar riff and ends with a brilliant classical orchestral violin outro.

There is a weird but utterly enjoyable transition in the last three songs though. All of a sudden, in The Realm of the Skeptics, the sound clears out and synth melodies fade into background, leaving accoustic guitars to end the day in ELP´s Still...You Turn Me On-style. The Mysterium of the Divine serves as a short classical piano composition and the second half of The Truth of Eternity is as Pink Floydish as anything except Pink Floyd can possibly be.

Nevertheless, this piece of pie is not for everyone I´m afraid. You shouldn´t expect any virtuous guitars or drumming from this album. Rather than melodies, this release is all about richly diverse psychedelic soundscapes. You might like The Myth of Dying if you feel comfy with The Road Home by Jordan Rudess and Tarkus by ELP.

For me, this is a masterpiece and every time I listen to it, it leaves me mesmerised.

Recommended.

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