RITUAL

Nemrud's Ritual appears to be the defining "moment" of this band's career. After debut album of some exceptional material and some mixed results, they pulled it all together on this very good composed four-song concept album about the schizoid person who tries to face himself in the dreams. The story played out lyrically and instrumentally with very few spoken word and spacey sounds alternating with strong melodies and harmonic vocals. Hence we have an album which defies categorisation. At times this is indeed Psychedelic Rock, but it is also highly symphonic. On top of that, the album arguably represents one of the first examples of the genre now defined as Psychedelic Symphonic Prog. The album opens with the amazing In my mind which is truly a magnificent composition and is performed flawlessly by all the musicians involved. The song starts beautifully with an spacy music featuring a bit of distorted guitar, soft keyboard and ambient drumming with dynamic work on tom and snares. In fact, the combination of guitar and drum is really nice and has become one of attraction points for this track. The key strengths of this song includes the brilliant flow of the music as well as the melody that brings the music along the way with a feeling of peace of mind during the wonderful flow. Sorrow by oneself; continues the nuance and style of the opening track in ambient spacey nuance. Again, the guitar work flows beautifully, followed with gentle voice of Mert Gocay. The main attraction of this track is probably the interlude in the middle of the song. It demonstrates the great combination of keyboard solo and rhythm section that comprises drums and guitar. One thing that is very good also from the band's music is the moog work that flows dynamically in tight guitar along with the music flow. Light; brings the music into more downbeat style with smooth drive on vocal as well as rhythm section. The tempo is of course lower than any other two tracks that precede it. This is about the time to cool down the music in a more dramatic way. This has made the album much more interesting to enjoy because at the first two tracks NEMRUD deliver the music in mixed tempo and this time demonstrates much more dreamy to create another emotional atmosphere to the listeners. And Ritual....Deadly bells, background sounds, synth and a narrator for the storm to start. 2 minutes of dark psychedelia than the organ plays minor chords like in a requiem on which the narrator says something. The song speeds up in the second half with a very beautiful melody on guitar and wonderful vocals. A clear reminiscence to Eloy, the kings of German Psychedelic Rock.

Bass and Kicks in where the band's style is more highlighted. It is in my opinion the best song of the album, with an outstanding and heavy riff mixed with floating moods. Brilliant, one of the best Psychedelic Rock songs ever. If you're new to be the band, then Ritual is a good starting point. It shows that excellent prog music was not being produced only in England and the USA. NEMRUD was one of the first Turkish groups to make great records on that style outside the english speaking countries and Ritual is their magnum opus.

Five stars, an essential masterpiece for prog rock fans. That's all what I got to say.