OMNI

karfagen omni notes

1)Omni overture- the alblum suite starts off with amazing instrumental intro with keyboards what you expect out antony kalugin the ukranian tomas bodin of modern day.

2)story teller part 1- sounds like caravan meets camel in this amazing song with lil bit that canterbury flavor i think Sinclair on this song could be wrong.

3)whispers from the past- has folkish sound with female vocals sunchild sound i grew to love so much. with more romantic era folk i get steve hackett vibes on this track meets sunchild with the flower kings esque sound.

4)the spark-vocals are very aorish this song has asia vibe to it top notch. evoking 80s vocal sound. the guitars have roine stolt meets steve hackett vibe on this alblum very much. i hear tfk and solo hackett vibes. this album is mixed bag it explores everything and for being aorish asia ike song it one best parts of suite 10/10

5)Masterplan- song starts of very keyboard dominated. One cant help compare antony to tomas bodin from flower kings fame. vocals are antony again evoking sunchild flavor again now it karfagen. antony wanted fuse sunchild into karfagen name it works so good. my second fave song on alblum although this suite is in 2 songs. i got review copy seperates tracks in suite im reviewing each song individually as part of epic process. you still have lil bit that 80s flavor without it being aorish.

6)mirror of souls. baroque symphonic opening it like u got symphonic baroque sound that tomas bodin does and hackett does. also with romantic side hackett does. if flower kings and hackett had baby this alblum is exactly that. its so beautiful. classicalness of this song and alblum themes as whole.

7)unchained-here comes many guests are on alblum vocals wise. near end of suite. i hear lil bit yes meets rush in vocals department this song. this album as whole feels like it make killer rock opera and stage production with roger dean artwork and maybe edunistky as backdrop on projector screen.

Literally this antony best work vocals wise on karfagen alblum that is not sunchild. guests vocals make it special. with my 4th listen now this album has climbed up in ratings. this alblum done live with right backdrops artwork bring into visual experience live evokes rock opera without it being rock opera.

8)the cards we play-has singer of sylvan german fame. very baroque and romantic themes in music. why i feel this alblum could be made into score performed live on stage in semi musical theatre style it hack rock opera leanings imho would work better as having movie theatre screen in background with artwork. and then have guests singer evoke imagery on backdrop. if you never heard of sylvan amazing band. i highly recommend.

the mix this alblum in end of it i feel snare of drums is tiny mixed low. bass on alblum is lil high then i expect low frequencies would love drums stand lil more out. it does not rob from alblum as whole its still killer. the mix this alblum is 90 out 100. nearly perfect.

9)you an i-some keyboard tones i hear remind me of Mannheim steamroller at times. no this is not yes cover title of song would confuse you. im getting pallas vibes on this song. uk band has alan reed vocals.. guitars are hackett and stolt fused. antony can do no wrong. this is antony best theatrical evoking musical peice ever.

it like shakesphere and bach and marice ravel made baby with hackett and flower kings combined all into one without it being jesus christ superstar.

10)story teller part 2- this ends alblum is last piece of 2 song epic making cohesive alblum. i love this album alot mix is 90 out 10. the alblum is 95 out 10. cloes thing u can get to masterpiece as possible. it has it minor flaws. i feel over low frequencies of bass are lil to high on few songs near end rob essence of drums sticking out other then that this is rock solid album.

this is alblum for flower kigns fans those who been wanting 20 plus min epic since banks of eden. this alblum is gold just gold. antony has made alblum that evokes theatrical imagery in mind. could be made into live setting. also evoking classicalism of greats of ravel bach. even shakesphere in poetic way its executed in music and lyrics.

buy or die. this is best thing flower kings have not released since banks of eden period. it basically if flower kings made theatrical alblum without name of flower kings.

4.5 stars

In an era where progressive rock continues to evolve far beyond its roots, Karfagen's Omni emerges as a celebration of the genre's golden age and a bold theatrical journey all its own. The Ukrainian outfit, led by multi-instrumentalist Antony Kalugin, has crafted an album that not only pays homage to the titans of prog but also steps into its own narrative-driven identity. Impressive roster of guest musicians adds depth and diversity to the album's sonic palette. The legendary Richard Sinclair (Camel, Caravan, Hatfield and North) contributes vocals and fretless bass. Renowned flautist John Hackett lends his skills, infusing the album with a delicate, ethereal quality. Expressive guitar work of Michel St-Père (Mystery, Huis) adds melodic weight and emotional resonance, and his smooth, melodic solos complement the symphonic textures perfectly. Equally integral are Per Malmberg (Salva) and Max Velychko (Inside The Sound), whose dynamic guitar performance across the album provides both technical flair and atmospheric depth, enhancing everything from complex instrumental passages to gentle acoustic interludes. Additionally, vocalists Jean Pageau (Mystery), Marco Glühmann (Sylvan), and Bartosz Kossowicz (Collage, Quidam) each bring their unique styles to the album, enhancing its rich tapestry of sounds. At the same time, the album retains definitive AKP/Karfagen' s signature flair.

1. Omni Overture

The curtain rises with a dramatic synth sequence reminiscent of Genesis' "Behind the Lines" from Duke. There's also a cheeky nod to Van Halen's "Jump", not in energy but in the distinct use of polyphonic synthesizer textures, clearly surfacing Antony Kalugin's New Age roots. It's a compelling fusion of arena rock grandeur and symphonic depth. Bold, brassy synths and triumphant chords declare the beginning of an epic.

2. Storyteller (Part 1)

Enter Richard Sinclair, whose vocal performance is nothing short of theatrical delight. His voice has aged gracefully - warm, fragile in places, but always charming. Sinclair imbues the track with Canterbury whimsy. Comparisons to John Mills' portrayal of Gus, the Theatre Cat in Cats (1998 London cast) are apt - there's a nostalgic lilt to his voice, a storyteller's cadence full of character and gentle melancholy.

3. Whispers from the Past

A short melancholic, flute-laced interlude that channels Anthony Phillips and the softer side of Camel. The pastoral feel, textured with acoustic guitar and delicate synths, evokes imagery of lost memories and fading dreams. It bridges prog with ambient classical, creating an emotionally resonant soundscape.

4. The Spark

This is where the Omni narrative regains momentum. "The Spark" feels exploratory yet optimistic - like the ignition of an idea or emotion, a spark of recollection becoming a flame of inspiration. Here, Karfagen leans into rhythmic complexities and harmonic layering. With traces of Gentle Giant's interlocking motifs and Steve Hackett's guitar voicing, "The Spark" pulses with kinetic energy. John Hackett's flute and Per Malmberg's vocals and guitars spar in musical dialogue, building an intricate and dynamic middle section.

5. Masterplan

This track showcases Karfagen's command of long-form composition. The title hints at a conceptual centrepiece - and musically, that's just what it feels like. The track unfolds with symphonic elegance, layering strings, piano, and soaring guitar, almost in the spirit of The Enid or Renaissance, fusing orchestral colour with rock tension. Soon, it develops into a layered instrumental section with alternating moods: pastoral flute passages à la Focus or Camel, transitioning into more rhythmically tight prog motifs reminiscent of Yes's "Drama"-era. Around the midpoint, there's a striking keyboard-driven interlude evocative of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with nimble counterpoint and playful shifts in metre. It's a showcase of Kalugin's compositional strength, as themes are reprised and evolved throughout. The conclusion blends soaring guitar leads with mellotron-style textures, conjuring Flower Kings or Kaipa in their majestic moments.

6. Mirror of Souls

Clocking in at just over a minute, this short piece acts as a breather, an ambient hinge between larger movements. "Mirror of Souls" feels introspective yet grand. With a reflective piano intro leading into expansive instrumental passages, the track echoes Pink Floyd in its atmospheric buildup, paired with The Enid's orchestral leanings or some of the quieter, dreamlike textures from Genesis' "Unfinished Symphony" moments (think "Dusk" or "Entangled"). It is one of the album's most contemplative moments. Feels like it exists outside time - a moment of self-reflection before the narrative resumes.

7. Unchained

One of the album's highlights, "Unchained", a rhythmic juggernaut, leans toward King Crimson territory. Jagged riffs, odd time signatures, and textures swirl in complex unity. Jean Pageau delivers a passionate vocal performance here, blending theatrical phrasing with melodic strength. His expressive tone cuts through the dense instrumentation, adding emotional urgency and elevating the song beyond pure instrumental prog. Pageau's brilliant singing adds a compelling, almost operatic intensity that enhances the track's drama. Fronting him, Max Velychko shines on guitar with both surgical precision and wild, improvisational energy. His solos here are angular and explosive, echoing Robert Fripp's adventurous edge while maintaining a melodic core. Despite its technical edge, "Unchained" never loses musicality - each section flows with narrative purpose.

8. The Cards We Play

Possibly the most theatrical piece on the album, it feels like a playful exploration of fate and chance - both in concept and in musical design. The fusion of Marco Glühmann's narrative voice, shifting tempos, and layered instrumentation delivered by the rest of the stellar cast recalls "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway"-era Genesis. The track begins with a delicate, introspective atmosphere before morphing into jazzy interludes and quirky instrumental interplay with strong Canterbury-style influences. The middle section flirts with time signature changes, shifting the rhythmic foundation like a game of chance. There's a carnival-esque atmosphere here, filled with dramatic flair and lyrical introspection.

9. You and I

A pastoral interlude rich in emotion, "You and I" is the calm after the storm. It feels like a sonic exhale following the complexity of previous tracks. Gentle acoustic guitars and minimalist synths set the stage for a soft, romantic tune. Michel St-Père's melodic sense shines in his expressive lead work here, while Bartosz Kossowicz brings a tender, heartfelt vocal performance that fits the intimate mood of the song. His warm tone and nuanced delivery elevate the emotional resonance of this tranquil moment. With a soothing melodic structure, this piece evokes strong emotional warmth, balancing the grandeur of progressive instrumentation with intimate acoustic textures in the likes of Renaissance, the acoustic sensibilities of early Moody Blues, or even Camel's more reflective moments.

10. Storyteller (Part 2)

Richard Sinclair returns to close the album with a reprise of literary charm. His vocals here are even more intimate and theatrical, echoing the essence of a musical monologue. This track completes the narrative arc of Omni, making the album feel like a full-circle journey.

Final Verdict: A Progressive Epic with Theatrical Flair

Omni is a tapestry of lush arrangements, character-driven vocals, and cinematic grandeur. With each track offering a distinct chapter, Karfagen and its star-studded line-up deliver a cohesive concept album in the spirit of classic prog and musical theatre. From Canterbury whimsy to symphonic drama, the band successfully bridges styles while carving out their unique niche. It's emotional without being indulgent, technical without being cold - a balance that few modern prog bands manage as gracefully.

Score: 9/10. An evocative and intricately crafted progressive journey. Karfagen's most ambitious work yet.

Antony Kalugin has created a NeoProg concept album with the help of one of the finest lineups of Progressive Rock Hall of Famers. Two long inter-connected suites are the result.

A) "OMNI Part 1" (23:03) 1. "Omni Overture" (2:37) Why? Why did Antony decide to use Genesis' Duke opening to open this album? It's too blatant, even though it does expand upon the flow and direction of the original, but then it comes back to the pulsing "Duke's Travels" section before going Phil Collins with the blasts from the "horn section. (8.8.75/10) 2. "Storyteller (Part 1)" (4:29) interesting 1980s NeoProg with Richard Sinclair in the lead vocals and on the fretless bass while Michel St-Pere provides the New Wave guitar chords and sounds. (Think The Fixx's Jamie Oren-West, Simple Mind's New Gold Dream, or Re-Flex's "The Politics of Dancing" for the sound Michel uses). John Hackett's flute is notable but dismissive. When Michel starts to step up front for the lead guitar work at the end we are reminded of his power as a NeoProg guitar player. (8.875/10) 3. "Whispers from the Past" (3:28) 4. "The Spark" (5:45) the music continues as Salva's Per Malmberg steps up to the lead microphone. He sounds so much like someone from the late 1970s or early 1980s--someone quite distinctive (and good). Maybe the lead singer from the Canadian band PAYOLA$ ("Eyes of a Stranger"). (9.25/10) 5. "Masterplan" (5:18) 6. "Mirror of Souls" (1:24)

B) "OMNI Part 2" (22:42) 7. "Unchained" (5:44) beautiful and emotion-wrenching NeoProg is fronted by amazing performances from Mystery vocalist, Jean Pageau, and Inside The Sound guitarist, Max Velychko. Has the torch been passed from Marco Glühmann to Jean Pageau as the reigning greatest prog vocalist and that of the greatest NeoProg guitarist from Michel St-Pere to Max Velychko? (9.3333/10) 8. "The Cards We Play" (8:26) Antonin Kalugin, John Hackett, Richard Sinclair, Marco Glühmann, and Michel St-Pere: has there ever been a better "all-star" lineup? 'nuff said. (18.25/20) 9. "You and I" (3:52) nice NeoProg with Bartosz Kossowicz performing the FISH-like lead vocal with some real searing lead guitar work from Michel St-Pere. (8.875/10) 10. "Storyteller (Part 2)" (4:38) the final sounds like with Richard Sinclair, Bartosz and Antony sharing the multi-part lead vocal duties. Rather nice--even beautiful and emotive--if not innovative. (9.125/10)

Total Time 45:45

Despite not owning this album and, therefore, not being able to hear all of its songs (three songs covering ten minutes of the album's nearly 46 are unavailable for previewing on the album's Bandcamp page), I am going to post this review.

A-/five stars; a minor masterpiece of progressive rock music and a fine example of lush, high-quality modern NeoProg from one of prog's most prolific composer-musicians.

Usually I wait to receive the physical copy before I write a review however this time I couldn't wait. I prefer to absorb the experience in my hands as well as my ears. Omni is the latest album by Karfagen not long after the solo effort of Antony Kalugin's 'Constellations'. As Antony mentions the meaning of Omni is "all" or "universal". He has "all' in this release hence a fitting title this is.

The album opens up with 'Overture', a thematic instrumental combining the rich keyboards of Antony, the fluid touch of Max Velychko on guitar and the class of Daniel Ilyin on electric violin. This leads straight into the next song 'Storyteller (Part 1)'.

'Storyteller is unashamedly inspired by the Canterbury scene and what better guest musician to have than Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Camel, Hatfield & The North) on bass guitar and vocals. The words of the song clearly is seen from the point of view of the audience eager to be lost in the worlds and words created by the Storyteller. Other talented guests include John Hackett on flute and Michel St. Pere (Mystery) on guitar all adding to the wonderment of the story.

'Whispers From the Past' begins straight away with Antony singing immediately followed by Gregorian type backing vocals. This is subsequently added with subtle strains of the violin. This is a meditative track between 'The Storyteller' and the next song in line 'The Spark'.

'The Spark' is an upbeat song sung by guest vocalist Per Malmberg from the Swedish prog band Salva. This tune has an AOR bent, a solid and rich song very much in the melodic rock style. This is song writing I wouldn't expect much on a Karfagen album. And this is no detriment. This strongly emphasises Antony's intention of being 'Universal'. Antony is reaching out in a slightly different paradigm.

'Masterplan' begins with strong synths and underlying piano with Antony also returning with his vocals. Superb harmonies sung here as well involving both Olga Rostovska and Bartosz Kossowicz. The music itself exudes confidence. The clarity and bold keyboard styles carries on this upbeat flow we just experienced from 'The Spark'. I also get a sense of funk when I hear the title 'Masterplan' sung.

'Mirror of Souls' is a short instrumental, a bright interlude overflowing with the wealth of talent between Antony Kalugin, John Hackett and Daniel Ilyin.

'Unchained' is a sombre song sung by Jean Pageau, another guest from the rich pool of talent of the band Mystery that could not be a better choice for this song. The depth of sorrow he brings enriches the torment that is the character of this song. Through all this darkness hope is regained at the end. Also fully emphasised by the empathic playing of Max Velychko on guitars.

'The Cards We Play' is the longest track on the album and in my opinion the highlight. John Hackett's flute flows in with an elegant piano playing aside. The smooth and delicate vocals by Marco Gluhmann (Sylvan) introduce the song backed by ghostly touches of the strings on the guitar by Michel St. Pere (Mystery). The music soon swells to a pure melodic sound with a dramatic piano driven in the background midway through the song with intricate guitar. Oxygen hits the embers of Marco's voice into a full flame with entering an exciting climax coming to a heartfelt and mellow conclusion.

'You And I' is led by Bartosz on vocals. The music gives a sense of mystery and the fate of life. This song has a firm and tight direction which is a perfect entry as a single which I now believe has been released as a single.

'Storyteller (Part 2)' which is naturally the bookend to the album which cleverly reveals the point and reason of storytelling. We also receive a bonus track 'Omni II Overture' hinting at a sequel and why not?

In conclusion this project is all-encompassing. Antony has truly brought in many different elements and has weaved a wonderful story about storytelling. This is also not a typical Karfagen album. This is more a song structured album I would more associate with his other project 'Sunchild'. Karfagen albums have normally centred around an instrumental structure. The instrumentation is still very strong and sound. Antony has given us more to revel in, more music and thought to expand our minds. Omni is 'All', it is 'Universal' and it is 'All-Encompassing'. Buy this for a complete experience. Omni is brilliant and fulfilling.

at certain times and points in an artists career if they are special they reach a eureka

moment when something turns out to be bigger than the parts itself

in nearly two decades now of being lucky enough to be onboard the good plane antony from take off to landing safely and into the glorious sunshine of each and every journeys end

even I never thought I would be stepping aboard concord and a supersonic experience as the usual process of initially listening to a short instrumental demo would take us to the incredible heights of OMNI.

As the short track expanded to some 30 minutes of the most wondrous melodies and musical shifts

we had reached the point where the demo would now turn to serious mode all his musicians would come and board the magic would continue to build and some four to six weeks later

the latest musical masterpiece would be finished

but not this time the instrumental music was just the starter for the vocal passages which

turn the album into a truly inspirational and exhilarating art rock opera

one by one I was listening to the demo vocals of some of the best front men in the business

richard sinclair and marco gluhmann just for starters along with instrumental additions from flautist john hackett and guitaring from

mysterys michel st pere amongst others

the final vocal being that of my long time dear friend per malmberg of salva fame

it seemed antony had moved on to a level even I was not expecting as the album was now

something much bigger than one could have imagined

I am very rarely lost for words but the end product had me speechless for once in my long lifetime

now you the listener have the chance too to listen to this magnificent monster of an album

so over to you folks and beware this music is seriously addictive the only known cure

is to give in to the temptation and play it again and again as the late great john lennon used to say please tell your friends " all we are saying is give OMNI a chance "

To put it into one word: BRAVO! Antony Kalugin has made one of his finest albums, and considering his excessive but always pretty inspired productivity that's amazing. In fact, I have, for some time, had a somewhat tired feeling for the endless flow of Kalugin/Karfagen/Sunchild releases in recent years, and I wasn't expecting to be truly impressed anymore. Gladly I was wrong. Omni has a unique identity among Kalugin's works, partly it's because of the international stellar cast of prog musicians, but also musically there's a breath of fresh air. Not that anything heard here wouldn't already be rather familiar from Kalugin's output. But the energy, dynamic balance, melodic power, indeed everything, has reached perfection on this symphonic and suitably pop-sensible and highly emotional neo prog album.

The whole flows extremely naturally and seamlessly. Two of the ten tracks, 1 and 6, are instrumentals that bookend the first suite (Omni Part 1 has six and Part 2 four pieces, and I'm glad they are separated on the CD display). The first guest vocalist is Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Hatfield and the North), the finest voice of Canterbury prog. Haven't heard of him in ages, so this is a very nice surprise.

On 'Whispers from the Past' Antony duets with Olha Rostovska, backed by Bartosz Kossowicz from the Polish neo prog scene (Collage, Quidam). This song reminds me of the atmospheric, calm songs of the later-day Steve Hackett. The more upbeat song 'The Spark' is sung (+ on guitars and bass) by Per Malmberg from Salva, unfamiliar to me. His tight voice has a shade of 80's pop, Tears For Fears and Midge Ure of Ultravox. The brief, moody second instrumental features Antony's keys, John Hackett's flute and Daniel Ilyin's electric violin.

The vocalist on the emotional 'Unchained' is Jean Pageau from the Canadian neo prog band Mystery. The flute opens the next passionate song sung by Marco Gluhmann from the German neo act Sylvan. Kossowicz offers lead vocals on 'You and I'. And on the final, serene piece Antony duets with Richard Sinclair.

Omni is a gorgeous, epic neo prog album that I believe a dedicated listener of the genre will greatly enjoy.

Wow? just wow. OMNI completely blew me away. From the very first notes, I felt like I was being taken on a journey through space, time, and memory. This album is melody in its purest form ? beautiful, rich, layered ? and every song feels like a chapter in some epic musical story.

The vocals? Absolutely stellar. With Marco Glühmann and Jean Pageau lending their voices to this project, the emotional depth reaches a whole new level. They bring so much feeling and character, it's impossible not to get goosebumps. There are moments on this album that literally touched my soul ? those quiet, emotional passages that stretch into infinity. You just close your eyes and feel.

At the same time, OMNI is such a loving tribute to the roots of progressive rock. You can hear the spirit of the classics, but it never sounds dated ? it's alive, inspired, and full of heart. Karfagen have created something truly special here.

If you love prog, melody, emotion, or just great music ? do yourself a favor and listen to this masterpiece. Then listen again.