THE RAINMAKER

A bit sub par for the Flower Kings but still a very competent album. What stands out from the other albums is that this one is introduces their darkness which will be revisited in Devil's Playground and Paradox Hotel

1. Last Minute On Earth 7/10 : a solid opener. It scared me off with the chanting in the intro, but it really has good vocals, melodies, and Roine Stolt playing hard rock. This track seems to have Spock's Beard Influences, but good ones. Unfortunately, the ending is severely disappointing: it just fizzles out in a nonsensical way.

2. World Without A Heart 5.5/10 : pleasant song that is a relief after the heavy opener, but lacks a good chorus.

3. Road To Sanctuary : 7/10 : The epic of the album. The beginning is promising with influences of Black Dog (zeppelin) in minute 3-4 with the vocals-riffing sections switching. It has dynamics and many changes, yet it seems to lack a bit of direction in the second half.

4. The Rainmaker 6/10 : Bolero-style instrumental song that sounds like a movie soundtrack. It's good, but a bit repetitive.

5. City Of Angels 7/10 : This is an up tempo track with great keyboard playing. The main synth riff is really nice. I also like much of the soloing in it. Sadly, the chorus is not that interesting.

6. Elaine 6.5/10 : The verses are not very interesting musically and its lyrics are laughable. However, the choruses are excellent and the jazzy groove at the end is very interesting, especially if you pay attention to the bass guitar.

7. Thru The Walls 6/10 : the organ riff in the intro and throughout the song is good, as well as the melodies and solos. However, the song lacks a bit of dynamics.

8. Sword Of God 5/10 : I do not enjoy the vocals with distortion in its chorus and they try too hard to sound cool and heavy. It just does not work.

9. Blessing Of A Smile 7/10 : mellow instrumental with good atmosphere and melodies.

10. Red Alert 6/10 : nice instrumental, but too short.

11. Serious Dreamers 6.5/10 : a solid rock&blues closer which foreshadows Roine's latest solo album.

Conclusion : it is Flower Kings' weakest material that I found. It is still better than most prog of today.

My Grade : B/C

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