ARK

Incredible. Absolutely fantastic. This was the first reaction that I had when listening to this masterpiece. And everytime I listen to it the sensations are just the same as the first time. A rather bizarre but almost perfect mixture of progressive metal (the drumming work by John Macaluso and the stunning odd-timed riffs from Tore Otsby don't need any further explanation), hard bluesy rock (the suberb and passionate voice from the singer Jorne Lande), with spanish and soul flavours to give the band's sound a little more twist and originality. Every song is just brilliant, from the AOR rock of Where The Wind Blows to the more aggressive mood of Burning Down (check out the monstruosly fast and exciting double bass drums part at 3:30) and Mother Love (probably the best song from Ark), from the flamenco and soul atmospheres of The Hunchback Of Notredame (marvellous riffs, almost makes you wanna dance at some points) to the classic 12/8 heavy metal flowing rhythm of Singers At The World's Dawn, from the complexity of Center Avenue to the heart-breaking ending Can't Let Go.

Just buy it, do yourself a favour, it's a truly masterpiece!