LOST IN REVERIE

I've been a huge fan of Ihsahn's work before the release of Lost in Reverie, mostly for EMPEROR (early PECCATUM albums are too weird to be called masterpieces). But after hearing this record I can say for sure: this guy is a pure genius. The first impression was a total shock: never in my life I've heard anything that experimental and original yet at the same time so emotional and melodic. The album succesfully combines elements of jazz, black metal, industrial, ambient and a variety of other genres - although not progressive rock in the common sense, the music is very complex and, ehm, progressive. Desolate Ever After is an experimental song: calm keyboards, industrial sounds, beautiful Ihriel's and rough Ihsahn's vocals. In the Bodiless Heart starts with a breathtaking acoustic riff and continues as a soft and mellow song. Mindblowing vocal performance and great melodies make it one of the best songs off the album. The third track, Parasite My Heart, shows what Lost in Reverie is all about. The song is very dark, creepy and complex. Piano-driven parts with female vocals change into hard-edged black metal. It took me a while to get into Veils of Blue as it features some trip-hop and I'm not fond of such music. Anyway, the track turned out to be an excellent avantgarde piece with numerous mood and riff changes. Black Star... I don't know where to start, this song is amazing. Gothic and blues, ambient and black metal all unite to create the ultimate avantgarde metal experience. The track is a masterpiece on its own. Stillness demonstrates the industrial side of the album. It has lots of creepy noises, strange sounds and fly buzzes. Very atmospheric, but not my personal favorite. The Banks of this River is Night is the kind of ending any band can wish for their album. Marvellously melodic and atmospheric song with splendid Ihriel's vocal performance and keyboards. I first heard Lost in Reverie more than a year ago and I still listen to it with great pleasure learning something new with each listen. Absolutely unique masterpiece and one of my personal all-time favorites.