FLESH THAT UNDERSTANDS

Swedish neo progsters Masque were found in 1989 in Gotheburg by Johan Engström, Stefan Kalin, Fredrik Terje, Jerker Rellmark and Magnus Berggren.Already from their early time Masque gigged extensively and participated in various rock competitions,while through a two- years time they recorded three demos: ''Maques'', "Distant Divineness" and "Behind Thoughts".These were enough to be signed by Musea and in October 91' they enter the Gothenburg Sound Studios to record their debut ''Flesh that understands'',finally released in early 92'.

Masque had a very rich,diverse and varied sound with plenty of keys,good distorted guitar parts and decent vocals to say the least.Moreover their compositions were not easy- listening,containing a fair amount of breaks,different atmospheres and changing moods.Electric passages often exchange with acoustic parts with majestic virtuosity and symphonic keys pop up for a more grandiose approach.The final package was a fine mix of Neo Prog and Symphonic Rock and they sound a lot like a cross between JADIS,COLLAGE and ENCHANT.On the other hand some ideas do not seem fully developed or some combining parts do not suit well to each other.Additionally, while all tracks stand at a good level, the puzzle misses this piece,which will blow the listener's mind in comparison to other great Neo Prog acts of the time.

Neo Prog buffs will find much to like in Masque's debut,but the album comes recommended even for fans of more complicated styles,despite its melodic orientation.A decent debut by a band with energy and talent.

3.5 for sure

Masque is an unknown neo prog band from Sweden with a short career that last until 1996 when they disbanded. They released two album, Flash that understands is their first one from 1992, issued at Musea records. Well, I was pleasent surprised about this album, melodic neo prog , that rely more on vocals department, but aswell the guitars and keybords are well constructed. At some point they remind me of Saga or even It Bites, that succesfuly combination between art pop and neo prog. Intristing arrangements on instrumental piece Malaria man, some great vocals on opening track and the follower Feeding her, Stefan Kelin has a pleasent voice that fits perfectly in this kind of music. Maybe to some listners, and because of the low ratings this album recived along the years, I must tell that this is not easy listning as many pretend to be, maybe at first spind seams this way, but after 4-5 listning is something elese, belive me I have almost same feeling. In the end is a quite decent and fair album, where the melodic hooks are well melted with more complex ones, just to be check the last trak of the album and the longest Of lesser dogs, a complex neo prog piece where all the musicians done a good job for sure. This album is somewhere between 3 and 3.5 , but because their next album is less intristing and in places weaker then this one, I remain convinced that this album desearve without hesitation 3.5, I have to make some diffrence between this two album in a way. A good album that fans of neo prog can put an ear on.