BACK IN THE WORLD OF ADVENTURES

The Flower Kings was born around the figure of Roine Stolt, one of the finest guitarist of all prog scene, previously active in the Swedish prog act Kaipa. Initially a trio, consisting of Stolt (vocals and guitar), Jaime Salazar (drums) and Hasse Bruniusson (percussion), was soon chosen the name (taken from the recent Stolt solo album) and, with the lineup including Tomas Bodin (keyboards) and Michael Stolt (bass), the band, in 1995, releases the debut "Back In The World Of Adventures." The band's musical style is heavily influenced by 70's prog bands like Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull, Genesis, etc.., and classical music, with also a vein of eclecticism and contamination, especially later in their career, that only serves to make their musical offer more interesting. Despite their influences, however, the album is incredibly inspired in every piece, with the title track that immediately brings the listener into a world of fantasy and harmony. It has also an excellent balance between instrumental and singed songs, always played by the group with absolute accuracy. The drums of Jaime Salazar create a unique rhythmic base for the awesome guitar and synth phrases, and Roine's voice does nothing but make it just perfect, in an atmosphere of beauty and peace that can put everyone in a good mood. The album has influences beyond symphonic prog such as jazz, ambient, some ELP or King Crimson complexity and even pop. In general it is an average complex album but very accessible. Among the best we have Atomic Prince, Theme For A Hero, but also World of Adventures and Big Puzzle, the opening and closing track respectively. I personally think Back In The World Of Adventures is easily their best work and the right album to start from if you want to get into this band. If you like this stuff you should try some Kaipa, some Roine Stolt solo albums, the swedish symph prog band Anglagard and also some IQ, Marillion and almost all Neal Morse material.

Vote: full 5 stars. Absolutely outstanding.