KARNATAKA

All Around the World ? A promising start of the album. Inspired and sweeping 8/10

Sacrifice ? Straight forward track that's not too adventurous. Regressive rock. 6/10

Look to the East ? Is another standard track with -imho- a corny chorus. Nothing new comes to my ear. It is all well played, but I'm not pleasantly triggered as prog fan. But it is more energetic than the previous track. 7/10

Forgiven ? There's not enough happening to justify the 11+ minutes of this song. I am quite disappointed by this one. It is pretty sometimes, but nothing special. 7/10

The night's dance ? A straightforward ballad. Nothing wrong with it. Not very proggy either. The use of strings doesn't equal prog in my book. 6.5/10

Say Goodbye Tomorrow ? I don't know if this is because we are more than 45 minutes in, but I'm getting more and more annoyed by the unimaginative compositions. 6/10

Don't forget my name ? It's hard not to forget this forgettable chorus 6/10

Requiem for a dream - Parts of it are powerful, energetic and interesting. It is truly proggy! Why is the rest of the album so bland? 8.5/10

All in all, I rate this one 2 stars. For fans of this genre that hardly fits the prog bill IMHO.

"New Light Live In Concert" is the second live album of Karnataka and that was released in 2012. The live performance has been recorded at the start of their New Light Tour at the Met Theatre in Bury, England on 23 February 2012. At the beginning of 2012, the Welsh progressive rock band embarked on a fifteen date live tour across the UK. Under the name of New Light Tour 2012, the band reached as many areas of the country as possible, in particular those towns and villages they missed on many of their previous tours. The band performed in some traditional theatres and art centres. It was released as a double live CD and it was also released in video as DVD and Blue-ray formats in the same year.

"New Light Live In Concert" marked the second biggest change in the line up of Karnataka. In May 2010, Lisa Fury, Ian Harris and Gonzalo Carrera announced that due to personal reasons they would be leaving the band. In 2010 was revealed that multi-instrumentalist Colin Mold as having joined the band. In 2011, it was announced that Hayley Griffiths was the new lead vocalist for the band. Hayley was previously the lead vocalist with global phenomena Riverdance and Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance. In 2011 it was said that the band's new keyboardist was Cagri Tozluoglu. The band's new line up was completed when was joined to the band the session player Matt McDonough on drums.

So, the line up on "New Light Live In Concert" is Hayley Griffiths (lead vocals), Enrico Pinna (backing vocals and guitars), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards), Colin Mold (backing vocals, violin and lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Ian Jones (bass and bass pedals) and Matt McDonough (drums and percussion).

"New Light Live In Concert" has fifteen tracks. The first track "Karnataka" was released on their third studio album "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The second track "Serpent And The Sea" was released on their fourth studio album "The Gathering Light". The third track "Delicate Flame Of Desire" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The fourth track "Heaven Can Wait" was released on their second studio album "The Storm". The fifth track "Tide To Fall" was released on "The Gathering Light". The sixth track "Forsaken" was released on "The Gathering Light". The seventh track "After The Rain" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The eighth track "The Calling" was released on "The Gathering Light". The ninth track "Lagan Love" was released on Hayley's solo studio album "Celtic Rose". The tenth track "Our Love" was released on Hayley's solo studio album "Silver Screen". The eleventh track "State Of Grace" was released on "The Gathering Light". The twelfth track "The Journey" was released on "The Storm". The thirteenth track "Your World" was released on "The Gathering Light". The fourteenth track "Heart Of Stone" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The fifteenth track "The Gathering Light" was released on "The Gathering Light".

From the beginning of the album with the opening track "Karnataka", we can watch the striking, rough waves of their music. "Serpent And The Sea" is a track that in a great way tuned the audience to the atmosphere that will be created through the songs presented, the magic of the show and Hayley's vocals. "Delicate Flame Of Desire" is a return to the sentimental, melodic and instrumentally extensive sounds with captivating and wonderfully performed riffs by Pinna. "Heaven Can Wait" brings to us a delicate atmosphere very fleeting and romantic, a music that moves us with its arrangements. "Tide To Fall" has a great rhythm section and the sound of the guitars and keyboards are really catchy sounds. "Forsaken" begins with the accompaniment of keyboards and Hayley is vocally assisted by Colin and Enrico who plays a nice guitar solo. "The Calling" is a nice instrumental track that serves as an introduction to "Lagan Love" that shows Hayley's enormous vocal abilities. This set also included another instrumental recording, Hayley's "State Of Grace". You can see and hear how easily all these sounds come out of individual instruments, creating an excellent, progressive, harmonious work, giving us a lot of joy while listening this concert. This is another beautiful performance. "The Journey" is a very energetic rock track where vocals contrast with a heavier guitar feel. "Your World" is as close to a good old fashioned rocker that you will get from the band. "Heart Of The Stone" is very romantic and atmospheric, creating a true unique atmosphere. "The Gathering Light" closes the album summing up the entire show wonderfully.

Conclusion: When you listen to "New Light Live In Concert" you'll soon notice they perform their songs differ from the original studio versions. This is mainly due that Hayley' vocals differ from Karnataka's prior singers Rachel Jones and Lisa Fury. Her soprano voice provides to the music a new sound. Also the addition of twin guitar parts throughout the all concert is excellent. The combination of Enrico Pinna and Colin Mold playing both the same guitar parts makes the music sounds greater. However, it's mostly Pinna who steals the show with his great electric guitar playing. Karnataka is a great band and "New Light Live In Concert" is a real must especially for fans of Iona, Mostly Autumn and Clannad.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

1. "All Around the World" (11:30) very solid symphonic prog--on the heavy side (as opposed to the Folk)--with an excerpt of one of Greta Thunberg's most famous speeches as its centerpiece. Lead (and background) vocalist Sertari has a style and approach quite similar to that of IONA's Joanne Hogg (and am I mistaken that the lyrics feel a bit as if they are also in the spiritual/ Christian realm of inspirational?) (18.5/20)

2. "Sacrifice" (6:30) sounds like a theme song to some warrior television series like Vikings or Game of Thrones. One of Ian's anthemic vehicles for Sertari to belt out another inspirational message. Too much like the showtunes of Miriam Stockley or Sarah Brightman and the like. (8.66667/10)

3. "Look to the East" (6:45) trying to sneak into the realm of Noa Gruman's SCARDUST. In the end, it's just a little slower, plodding variation on the anthemic showtune created for Sertari to belt out over like the song before. (13/15)

4. "Forgiven" (11:49) another bombastic, somewhat plodding (straight-timed) inspirational Christian-based song. Overall, this is one of my favorite songs on the album: it's well constructed and contains some clever ideas. (22/25)

5. "The Night's Dance" (5:29) another vehicle for Sertari and Ian's Christian expression. (8.666667/10)

6. "Say Goodbye Tomorrow" (6:01) more straight-time music that has more in common with AM radio oriented classic rock than prog. This is probably my favorite vocal song from Sertari--her voice has less of a thank-you-god/grateful feel to it and more of a commoners/Heather Findlay I-am-human feel--however the music does nothing to excite or reward my proggy sensibilities. (8.75/10)

7. "Don't Forget My Name" (6:30) back to the numinous performance and the Andrew Lloyd-Weber music. Sorry: just not my cup of tea. (8.66667/10)

8. "Requiem for a Dream" (25:13) bird & outdoor noises open this before ominous synth chords, wind, fire, and distant explosion sounds join in and supplant those of Mother Nature. Programmed drums, synth harp, and vocalise take over in the second minute before Sertari steps forward to begin singing the song's lyrics. ADIEMUS/Miriam Stockley again come up big time--even moreso when Troy Donockley's Uileann pipes join in. A heavier, semi-power chord driven palette takes over at 4:30 while the singing, pacing, and melodies remain pretty much the same. I like the TONY BANKS/GENESIS section in the middle of the long instrumental passage from 7:00 to 8:30. The ensuing calm of synth washes, heartbeats, Irish whistles and Uillean pipes is very pleasant as is the gentle piano/synth passage from 9:40 to 10:15. When Sertari's Emilia Derkowska (QUIDAM)-like vocalise enters, it's very powerful--and could have gone on like a Clare Torey "Great Gig in the Sky"--but, instead, turns back into worded lyrics to set up another emotional instrumental passage that contains some very powerful steel slide guitar play. At 12:27 the full band (and arpeggiating orchestral banks) kicks back in to support more of Sertari's powerful singing. More emotional guitar, this time straightforward Dave Bainbridge-like, then more vocals (this time infused with an entirely separate, continuous Sertari vocal line going on in the background), and then another break for Irish tea and coffee at 15:15. This morphs quite gradually into a militaristic IQ-like motif containing some voice samples before emerging as another heavy instrumental passage in the 19th minute. "Glockenspiel," bass, and guitar power chords are quite effective here. A close-up whispered, "Are we dreaming" steps in at 19:13 to open the door to another very beautiful THE GATHERING with ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN passage. (As a matter of fact, the similarities of Sertari's performance here to that of Anneke and her "Big Sleep"/If?then?else-like performances is striking.) Back to bare-bones piano support around 20:15 while Sertari continues "dancing in the rain," but then she is joined by Troy Donockley's Uillean pipes and the rest of "the band's" rock rhythm section, eventually yielding to Troy's Irish folk instrument play, but then returning to the repeated "dancing in the rain" chorus for nearly the entirety of the song's final three minutes. (It actually ends with about a minute of Sertari's close-up voice whispering "tick . . . tock . . . " over and over.) Nice prog epic and easily my favorite song on the album. This is one epic that I will listen to over and over--and look forward to doing so with great anticipation each time--for a long time. (48/50)

Total Time 79:47

I'll give Ian some credit for he is surely due: he can play a very effective lead guitar solo, and he creates great theatric (bombastic) music for his vocalists to sing over; as a matter of fact, I cannot imagine any of the vocals present on this album to be nearly as powerful or dramatic without Ian's ADIEMUS-like music. (A little nod must here be given to Adiemus music composer, Karl Jenkins.) Unfortunately, this is just not the kind of prog that I enjoy--especially when an entire 80-minute album is put in front of me; one song at a time. Oh: and big respect to Sertari and her wonderful vocal and arranging talents.

A-/five stars; a flawed but excessively perfected adventure into bombastic symphonic rock that is brought to overall high esteem due to its three exceptional epics; the rest of the songs I could live without, but I have to give credit where credit is due: There is no argument that Ian and Sertari have crafted 48 minutes of eminently engaging prog. A minor masterpiece of progressive rock music. Check it out for yourselves!

'All Around the World' with the soaring, spacey intro and Sertari showing off his sublime voice on a symphonic ballad with a folk feel; the ambient break on captivating choirs, a suave tune before having the marked instrumental; fresh, rhythmic and an inspired Luke on guitar. 'Sacrifice' for the touching piano ballad accompanying Sertari which is indeed the centerpiece, on a grandiloquent tune reminding me of Led Zeppelin. 'Look to the East' oriental intro with cinematic sound effects, prog you're there; the metallic, new-wave mid-tempo that follows for the intoxicating radio-edit; impression that emerges from listening to Sertari taking the center stage leaving only a little guitar solo for Luke, although well done, feeling of repetition for the vocals. 'Forgiven' goes into the heart of the group, vocals and synths twirling symphonics; emotion, a sanctus worthy of Epica; intimate piano break with the arrival of Gregorian choirs before the return of the crescendic liturgical sanctus flame; the solo just a pearl giving into the divine, yes.

'The Night's Dance' starts with a folk-prog intonation, on McKennitt for example, with tempered orchestration, beautiful but consensual, listenable on the radio that is to say, the crystal clear guitar in the background. 'Say Goodbye Tomorrow' follows, even more radio edit for the prog pop ballad with marshmallow-soft keyboards; the intonation is romantic with a very beautiful guitar solo from Luke confirming that it is indeed the second centerpiece of the group. 'Don't Forget My Name' continues on the same slope and falls into nagging repetition, which can be tiring; the divine solo, guitar hero, comes to save from an overly invasive voice. 'Requiem for a Dream' for the eponymous piece and a gradual rise of a Celtic and Arabic universe, from the time when trade was carried out without war; Troy's "Uillean Pipes" catalyzing the atmosphere; the keyboards sound neo navigating between the Genesis 2nd version, IQ, Marillion and? Karnataka in fact; break in the third and angelic flutes, then Luke again who launches you a melting, incisive solo; a pompous, magnificent ode, Sertari turns the melody upside down, the symphonic to its climax; second oriental-Celtic break this time, mystical, 'Are you dreaming' she says in view of this Dantesque flight; the outro returns to the start, prog loop confirmed.

Karnataka shows an astonishing vitality, textures that tangle like hair in the wind, a musical message of hope with a pearl in the person of Sertari, a great guitarist not used enough, a bit of repetition.

KARNATAKA presents us with a new vocalist SERTARI of Cypriot origin (I had a little trouble at first) who had little to do with progressive music before joining the Welsh group, her service records are as long as a day with bread...and range from BLACK EYED PEAS to electro pop via LED ZEPPELIN!

Let's move on to "Sacrifice" (7/10) which is the piece that I like the least out of all the eighty minutes of this "Requiem", it is certainly not bad but not at the level of the rest of the work, perhaps too commercial? only the imaginative and haunting piano which supports the piece until its end brings something more here. "Look to the East" (8/10) seems to be dedicated to the war in UKRAINE which drags on without hope that the hostilities will stop anytime soon or to the Middle Eastern crisis which has lasted too long, the Arabist motifs throughout the title can justify this second option, the inventive guitar of Luke MACHIN lending itself perfectly, small criticism a title too sung (even if well sung).

We thought with the opening track that it would be difficult to reach the summits again, well the almost twelve minutes of "Forgiven" prove us the opposite, electrified by the singing of SERTARI and carried by a melodic framework worthy of the most intense moments of symphonic progressive, augmented by Gregorian chant! (10/10), let's add for good measure the six strings of the scratching machine which is absolutely lyrical... Everything is possible with KARNATAKA.

The sweet and calm "The Night's Dance" (8/10) brings us back down somewhat but remains at a level that many groups are not capable of reaching, the orchestrations of Ian JONES are impeccable here. In the ballad register comes "Say Goodbye Tomorrow" (9/10), as much pop as progressive but which can be listened to with disconcerting ease, a "candy", keyboards in abundance to die for, Luke again at the top of the poster, nirvana in terms of emotion. What can I say that hasn't already been said with the following piece "Don't Forget My Name" (9/10) in the same register as the previous one, the only criticism that we can make of these two pieces, they are sung a lot (but remarkably) What Else? Nothing!

We still have the peplum, with the title song "Requiem for a Dream" and its twenty-five minutes, you will find everything that Ian JONES is capable of in terms of compositions and arrangements, the ULTIMATE piece even if the term can seem exaggerated to you (11/10). The best part of this piece is obviously the "Uillean Pipes" of guest star Troy DONOCKLEY who leaves his mark on everything he touches, you just have to appreciate the Celtic side that the pipes give to this Requiem, another facet of KARNATAKA. To this, we must also add the incredible performance of Luke, the man who delivers six-string solos faster than his shadow and you will have covered the question in music. If perfection exists, it's here, let's leave the final words to SERTARI at 7:20 p.m. she whispers "Are You Dreaming ?"

Original review is on profilprog

Karnataka is a Welsh progressive rock band formed in 1997 by Ian Jones, Jonathan Edwards and Rachel Jones. The project was augmented by Paul Davies and Gavin Griffiths. The name Karnataka was chosen from a suggestion by Ian. Karnataka is the name of an Indian province in which Ian stayed for some time in the mid of the 90's. Karnataka is strongly supported by the Classic Rock Society and released a total of 5 studio albums, till now, "Karnataka" in 1998, "The Storm" in 2000, "Delicate Flame Of Desire" in 2003, "The Gathering Light" in 2010 and "Secrets of Angels" in 2015.

It's always a pleasure to discover a band out of sheer curiosity and to find them exceeding all my expectations. Karnataka is one of those bands that I hope we'll be hearing always more about. Actually, Karnataka is one of those bands that despite has been some momentous line up changes throughout the band's history, Karnataka have always managed to keep an amazing uniformity and quality into their music. None of their albums are in reality weak works.

So, "Secrets Of Angels" is the fifth studio album of Karnataka that was released in 2015. The line up on "Secrets Of Angels" is Hayley Griffiths (lead vocals), Carloenrico Pinna (vocals, lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Çagri Tozluoglu (keyboards and programming), Ian Jones (vocals, bass, bass pedals, keyboards and programming) and Jimmy Pallagrosi (drums and percussion). "Secrets Of Angels" had also the participation of Troy Donockley (Uillean pipes and low whistle), Seána Davey (harp), Rachel Van Der Tang (cello), Clive Howard (viola) and Lynn Cook (violin).

"Secrets Of Angels" has eight tracks that runs for an hour and is comprised of seven average lengthy tracks and one 20 minute opus. With musical themes that harkens to its title, "Road To Cairo" picks up right where "The Gathering Light" left off stylistically, with a slight shift only to adjust to Hayley's vocal style. With a wicked time signature backed by an Arabic scale, the band begins a great musical journey. "Because Of You" opens as if it will be a gothic ballad with a lush piano intro, but soon delivers to a symphonic cacophony of bliss with huge power chords and a great vocal performance from the new vocalist Hayley Griffiths, making her first appearance. This is probably the most radio friendly track on the album. "Poison Ivy" is a song of pain and agony. Haley's voice gets really aggressive here. It's sung with conviction with the band in the background as a perfect complement. It has a typical sound with low symphonic keys and all the moves except for low riffing guitars. It has also an elaborate orchestration. "Forbidden Dreams" is a sprightly rocker with a hugely memorable chorus that it certainly will become as one of the sing along favourite for fans. It opens up with a haunting piano line and soon becomes enhanced with cymbals and light percussive elements. This is one of the most emotional tracks on the album both instrumentally and lyrically. "Borderline" is one of the darkest and heaviest tracks on the album that begins with a heavy dark and brooding intro before going to a straight away progressive hard rock composition. The solo lead vocal work is complemented by lush harmonies in the choruses. The great performances of guitar and keyboards further extend the song. "Fairytale Lies" begins with a vocal interlude that develops with rich instrumental arrangements, vast guitar excursions and lush harmonies. This is a glorious concoction with tumbling keys and a striking string arrangement, topped off by great lyrics and an astonishing vocal work. This is a master class track in mood and atmosphere. "Feels Like Home" is a pretty and touching ballad. The way that it develops is compelling. As the song goes on, more and more layers are added to the music and vocals. Beautiful vocal backing tracks overdubbed the song ending in a cascade of harmony vocals. This is possibly one of the best ballads the band has ever created. "Secrets Of Angels" with over 20 minutes long, closes the album as a return to Karnataka's folk roots with pipes, acoustic guitar, gentle singing and a Celtic feel. It returns to the band's sound on "The Storm". The sound develops into a robust arrangement drawing on the previous themes on the album. This epic is a great number that works perfectly well with the contributions of Troy Donockley of whistle, Uilleann pipe and the lovely Celtic harp. In reality, Karnataka have shown to be masters of longer pieces before.

Conclusion: "Secrets Of Angels" is a melodic and beautifully crafted symphonic album with a striking production and an excellent sound quality. It clearly demonstrates the significant development of the Karnataka's sound. "Secrets Of Angels" is a triumphant work of Karnataka. Wonderfully melodic and hugely dramatic without being in any way corny, varied in feel yet somehow effortlessly cohesive, beautifully recorded and mixed, and very sympathetically mastered. It's probably the best sounding album of the band. The material is very strong and managed to both tread new ground and sound like "classic" Karnataka at the same time, which isn't a simple thing to do. I think that "Secrets Of Angels" is a must have for all fans of the melodic and symphonic prog rock. So, I only can easily recommend "Secrets Of Angels".

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

There are many fans of this style of prog, deeply enjoying the pleasures provided by groups like Mostly Autumn, Cairo, Panic Room, Three Colours Dark, Breathing Space, Iona, The Reasoning, Magenta, Illuminae and Chasing the Monsoon (the latter two fronted by Ian Jones) and so many more?So this is a comfortable option that always delivers mainly because it requires truly exceptional melodies to provide the platform for off the charts vocal performances. I am proud of owning and cherishing all the Karnataka albums as well as the numerous offshoots emanating from that nucleus of talents. The gorgeous cover art only serves to whet the appetite and I remain confident that this will be another cornerstone album for 2023. Ian has also surrounded himself with very capable musicians, what with Gonzalo Carrera on added keys, the deliriously in demand guitarist Luke Machin (The Tangent, Maschine, Cyan, Tiger Moth Tales and Illuminae) drummer Chris Allan formerly of the Sun and Protomythos and finally the obligatory Celtic chieftain Troy Donockley on the lovely Uilleann pipes. To follow up on my first chapter's final "reflection on patience and it shows" comment, there is a phenomenon I have recently noticed as quite the revelation, many bands choosing to kick off their new 2023 album with lengthy epics, perhaps due to the emergence from the lengthy and obligatory hibernation. The 11 and a half epic "All Around the World" offers a liberating post-Covid sonic travelogue, a finally off with the mask intrepidity that certainly galvanizes the spirit and delights the ear. A swooning introduction of sound effects sets the course, as the arrangement evolves into all members entering the stage together, signalling clearly that this will be a team effort. Sartori's voice is immediately impressive, with a strong command and a great tone, putting any worry to rest as she proves to be equal of the great singers before her. Yes, its highly melodic story telling, highlighting lyrics directed at addressing the global concern of our ongoing destruction of our precious blue and green planet! Luke spews out his first of many sizzling, drizzling and fizzing lead guitar solos that litter the set list. As befits a classic prog epic, the peaks and valleys that nature provides are reflected in the contrasts between the bustle and the serene, a "tour du monde" that has all the requisites for sonic seduction.

An ornate piano introduces "Sacrifice", a vocal showcase that displays the wide variety of Sartori's skill and her ability to meander up and down the emotional ladder, with a convincing chorus loaded with celestial conviction. It also possesses a huge melody that remains long after the track has ended its run. Screwdriver guitar solo for the ages, the final surrender. The driving, Chris Allen propelled "Look to the East" could be a reference to the ongoing troubles in Ukraine or is it about the tragedy of Syria. The sweeping Middle Eastern influences are overt and ongoing, as expressed in their previous opus opener "Road to Cairo", a similarly sandstorm of sound and fury, once again sprinkled with imaginative words, sounds and voice. The highlight track for me is the nearly 12 minutes of "Forgiven", another same sized epic monster that is drenched is sensual forgiveness, elevated by a melody that seizes the heart and captures the soul, with a thunderous vocal performance from Sartori. The Gregorian chant-inspired Latin prayers are right down my alley, as she swoons and croons with absolved mastery. The sophisticated piano ripples, the potent lungs pleading, both densely championed by choir orchestrations and a fiery guitar exhortation that explodes into the ether. This is worth the wait and the purchase alone. The vaporous elegance of "The Night's Dance" offers another triumphantly gorgeous melodic line that can only slay this reviewer into kneeling at the shrine. Ian Jones wraps the perfect orchestrations with impeccable detail, his steady bass in complete harmony with Allen's sturdy drum support. Accessible and melodic prog does not get better than this! The futuristic inspired "Say Goodbye Tomorrow" is a melancholic rambler, certainly doom-laden as it is a cry for a fragile universe where one must search for "the truth behind the lies", steadfastly resisting the endless negative narrative and 'bringing life to a new day". Its not just complaining but actually finding resolve and solutions. The breezily sorrowful "Don't Forget My Name" is another attractive emotional roller coaster, with lyrics that delve in memories, shadows, eternal sunrise, tears falling like rain, whispers in a daydream and an echoing "please don't forget my name. Tight playing, sensorial impact, meaningful music in a simple, organic song. And the megalodon-sized 25 minutes+ Goliath title track which stamps the crimson waxed seal on this perfect album, without any question the most mature production in the Ian Jones canon of releases. During the running time, all those ingredients that make Karnataka a melodic prog institution are up front and centre. Sartori's suave delivery swerves between the bewitching Irish pipes that provide a dreamy and misty Celtic imagery, a cinematographic soundtrack where each instrument serves to impact the nodes and caress the soul with waves of beauty and passion. Luke Machin once again proves why he is one of the most sought-after axe slingers in Progland, combining immaculate technique with delirious feeling. He and Dave Bainbridge (ex-Iona and solo) are my current guitar darlings that crown the list of favourite musicians. The low-key piano driven second section is utterly dense with emotion, leading to a tectonic over-arching crescendo of soft and yet intense delight by our guitarist, a series of gut-wrenching solos to blow one's right head off, a sonic guillotine that leaves no splash or drivel. Another plunge, another elevation, synthesizers ablaze, bass dancing in full embrace and the ride continually invites endless pleasure. 80 minutes of melodic adventure of the very finest quality. An easy top 5 release for 2023. I am sure that lazland (www.lazland.org) will concur in complete agreement, please check out his impending and surely glowing review. Yes, folks, its that delicious.

5 faraway hymns

"New Light Live In Concert" is the third DVD of Karnataka that was released in 2012. The live performance has been recorded at the start of their New Light Tour at the Met Theatre in Bury, England on 23 February 2012. In early of 2012 the Welsh progressive rock band embarked on a fifteen date live tour across the UK. Under the name of New Light Tour 2012, the group reached as many areas of the country as possible, in particular those towns and villages they missed on many of their previous live tours. The band performed in some traditional theatres and art centres. Besides has been released on the DVD format, it was also been released in a double live CD and in the Blue-ray format. Beyond the entire live performance, the DVD also includes band's interviews with all members of the live tour and a tour photo gallery.

"New Light Live In Concert" marked the second biggest change in the line up of Karnataka. After the departure of three members of Karnataka, Lisa Fury, Ian Harris and Gonzalo Carrera, four new members joined the band. It features the new lead singer Hayley Griffiths which is a classically trained soprano singer who has achieved global recognition and critical acclaim for her role in the international phenomenon Riverdance and Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance. The other three new members in the band are the Turkish keyboardist Cagri Tozluoglu from Istanbul, the multi-instrumentalist Colin Mold, who was member of the folk rock band Kara and the session drummer Matt McDonough.

So, the line up on "New Light Live In Concert" is Hayley Griffiths (lead vocals), Enrico Pinna (backing vocals and guitars), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards), Colin Mold (backing vocals, violin and lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Ian Jones (bass and bass pedals) and Matt McDonough (drums and percussion).

"New Light Live In Concert" has fifteen tracks. The first track "Karnataka" was released on their third studio album "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The second track "Serpent And The Sea" was released on their fourth studio album "The Gathering Light". The third track "Delicate Flame Of Desire" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The fourth track "Heaven Can Wait" was released on their second studio album "The Storm". The fifth track "Tide To Fall" was released on "The Gathering Light". The sixth track "Forsaken" was released on "The Gathering Light" too. The seventh track "After The Rain" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The eighth track "The Calling" was released on "The Gathering Light". The ninth track "Lagan Love" was released on Hayley's solo studio album "Celtic Rose". The tenth track "Our Love" was released on Hayley's solo studio album "Silver Screen". The eleventh track "State Of Grace" was released on "The Gathering Light". The twelfth track "The Journey" was released on "The Storm". The thirteenth track "Your World" was released on "The Gathering Light". The fourteenth track "Heart Of Stone" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The fifteenth and last track "The Gathering Light" was released on "The Gathering Light".

The performance began introducing the heroes of this great concert evening, from the singer Hayley to the individual instrumentalists. It's a very interesting concert, well filmed and played. The camera work has been done well capturing the musicians at close range and from a distance showing the whole band in action. Karnataka is able to capture the heart of the recipient with its sound, delivering a lot of elation with its multi- coloured music shimmering like a rainbow. The strength of Karnataka's music is, without any doubt, its strong song material. It has an excellent balance between vocals and broadly drawn out instrumental work. Strong symphonic rock with neo-prog influences, topped with a Celtic sauce. The audience is sensitive to such fabulous sensations seeing this "new light" that emanates from this concert of the band. This is a very solid DVD. The camera work is calm and ensures that everyone is on the picture, capturing the details of the all performances without one musician crushing the other. The extras on the DVD are pretty sparse. The additions to this release are photos from the concert tour and an interesting 30-minute interview with Karnataka band.

Conclusion: Karnataka is a great band and this live concert is a great opportunity to get into their music. "New Light Live In Concert" is a great live show where Karnataka take their incredible talent and virtuosity and move it effortlessly into a live arena. This DVD benefits from a tremendous production and captures the details of the vocal performances as well as the new musical arrangements of the songs in the best possible way and in its 5.1 surround. As I wrote, in addition to the concert, it also includes interviews with all musicians where they talk about their background musical influences, their past as musicians and the past and the future of Karnataka. So, this is a DVD not to be missed, really.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

"The Gathering Light" is the fourth studio album of Karnataka and was released in 2010. It only happened seven years after their previous studio album "Delicate Flame Of Desire". Since then, the band have split and reformed with the only surviving member, Ian Jones, carrying the name forwards in a completely new incarnation. Thus, this is an album featuring almost a new line up, after the disbanded of the group in 2004 due to unforeseen personal circumstances. From their classic line up, Rachel Jones decided to take time out from the music business and Jonathan Edwards, Anne-Marie Helder, Paul Davies and Gavin Griffiths formed Panic Room, in 2006, remaining only Ian Jones in the group.

So, the line up of the album is Lisa Fury (lead vocals and percussion), Ian Jones (bass guitars, keyboards, piano, bass pedals, bodhran, percussion and programming), Enrico Pinna (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Gonzalo Carrera (keyboards and piano) and Ian Harris (drums). It has also the participation of Troy Donockley (whistles and Uilleann pipes), Hugh McDowell (cello) and Philippe Honore, Bridget Davey, Clive Howard and Jane Fenton (violins).

"The Gathering Light" has eight tracks. The first track "The Calling" written by Jones starts the album with a very short and mellow instrumental piece of music. It's a song dominated by the Uilleann pipes performed by guest musician Troy Donockley, together with some atmospheric keyboard sounds played by Gonzalo Carrera and by Ian Jones himself. The second track "State Of Grace" written by Jones and Carrera represents another instrumental track. It's an up tempo piece of music that shows for the first time how strong are the new players with their instruments. Most of all, guitarist Enrico Pina shows how brilliant he is. This instrumental piece of music just sounds fantastic and at some moments it reminds me a little "Awaken" of Yes. The third track "Your World" written by Fury, Jones and Carrera is the song that gives for the first time the opportunity to hear the voice of the new female singer Lisa Fury. And the only thing I can say is that she shines in full glory. We can't compare Lisa's voice to the voice of the former female singer Rachel Jones. However, both voices are absolutely amazing and beautiful. The fourth track "Moment In Time" written by Fury and Jones represents a musical magic moment of music in terms of melody and vocal performance. It's true that it's a track with some pop influences, but however it's so beautiful that we can forget that. Once more we have the beautiful sound of the Uilleann pipes of Troy Donockley. The fifth track "The Serpent And The Sea" written by Fury and Jones is an epic track with over ten minutes long. Despite isn't a too complex song this is a song that suits very well with great musical performance by all band's members. In my humble opinion, the progressive rock influences rules are present on the entire album. The sixth track "Forsaken" written by Fury and Jones is probably one of the best tracks on the album. The climax of this song is just awesome and builds up to an incredible and great drum rhythms. It's a long song with great melody and orchestration that makes us completely surrender to it. Lisa has a wonderful gesture having dedicated this song to her mum and dad. The seventh track "Tide To Fall" written by Fury and Jones is a song that stands out from the rest of the album. It's an excellent song, once more with a very beautiful melody and with a clear slight Arabic feel. This is a song that my imagination can see clearly Lisa Fury to move eloquently like a real belly dancer. It's another great track, short, direct and effective. The eighth and last track is the title track "The Gathering Light" written by Fury, Jones and Carrera. It represents the perfect ending to this excellent comeback studio album of the band. Again we can hear Troy Donockley and his Uilleann pipes, the cello of Hugh McDowell and the wonderful string quartet for the first time. This is a monumental beautiful piece with masterful proportions that made many people love the music of them.

Conclusion: It's very impressive to me that a band that was practically reduced to ashes with only one remaining member may have returned from its grave with an album with the great quality of "The Gathering Light". All eight tracks are great and tender but it's in the details of the individual musicians that the magic of the album surely resides. Enrico Pina brings expression, sensitivity and emotion to his playing that the guitar melodies could be considered in the same way as vocal lines. Gonzalo Carrera has contributed to the album colours and every moment with his truly wonderful keyboard arrangements. These lead characters (guitars and keyboards), are very well supported throughout by a very dynamic and articulate rhythm section performed by Ian Jones and Ian Harris. Crowning the whole affair is Lisa Fury's vocal work. She contributes with emotional depth and passionate delivery with technical brilliance putting her with one of the best female vocalists, not only of her generation, but amongst those before her that left their distinctive mark in this genre of music. Thus, "The Gathering Light" is highly recommended to everybody who likes the older albums made by Karnataka, but also for those who like bands such as Yes, Genesis, Mostly Autumn, Iona, Clannad and Renaissance.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Formed in the late of the 90's, Karnataka has released two studio albums, "Karnataka" in 1998 and "The Storm" in 2000, previous to their third one, this "Delicate Flame Of Desire". With this album, Karnataka continued to presenting their uniquely British ethereal progressive rock without ever resorting to empty flash or needless instrumental noodling. Their music is different. Ethereal is the term I usually use to describe Karnataka's music. But, this is simply Karnataka.

So, "Delicate Flame Of Desire" is the third studio album of Karnataka and was released in 2003. It was the first album to feature the new member, Anne-Marie Helder. It was the final album by the classic line up. The band was disbanded in 2004 due to unforeseen circumstances. Rachel Jones decided to take time out from the music business and Jonathan Edwards, Anne-Marie Helder, Paul Davies and Gavin Griffiths formed Panic Room in 2006. Thus, only Ian Jones stayed.

So, the line up on the album is Rachel Jones (lead and backing vocals and percussion), Anne-Marie Helder (backing vocals, flutes and percussion), Paul Davies (lead and rhythm guitars), Jonathan Edwards (backing vocals and keyboards), Ian Jones (backing vocals, bass guitars, acoustic guitars and percussion) and Gavin Griffiths (drums and percussion). "Delicate Flame Of Desire" had also the participation of Heather Findlay of Mostly Autumn (baking vocals) and Steve Evans (programming).

"Delicate Flame Of Desire" has nine tracks. The first track "Karnataka" written by J. Edwards and I. Jones is a short instrumental track, a very interesting choice to begin the album. Decidedly, it has a Celtic musical influence, as much of the music of the band has, and acts beautifully as a prelude to the rest of the album. The second track "Time Stands Still" written by R. Jones, P. Davies, J. Edwards and I. Jones is a very beautiful track, and in my humble opinion, it's one of the best tracks on the album. It's a track that features some guest vocal participation of Heather Findlay of Mostly Autumn. This is undoubtedly a track with great harmony and where Ian Jones with his bass line does a very interesting work. The third track is the title track "Delicate Flame Of Desire" and was written by R. Jones, J. Edwards and I. Jones. It's a very melodic track with simple riffs and a very easy rhythm. It's very nice and beautiful to hear. This isn't properly a progressive music epic, but it's definitely a very nice and good song. The fourth track "After The Rain" written by R. Jones, J. Edwards and I. Jones is a very nice and simple song that sounds just great. It's a song that remains, for me, very close to the music of Renaissance. This is simply a very beautiful and pleasant song to hear, indeed. The fifth track "Strange Behaviour" written by R. Jones, J. Edwards and I. Jones is a track that opens with a very beautiful musical atmosphere. This is a very mellow and beautiful track, once more with a marvellous vocal performance by Rachel Jones. It has also a great guitar solo by Paul Davies in the second half of the song. The sixth track "The Right Time" written by R. Jones, P. Davies, J. Edwards and I. Jones represents another beautiful and mellow ballad with a very nice melody and an interesting guitar break. This is a song that reminds me Mostly Autumn, and this is probably one of the reasons that justify why Karnataka is sometimes compared with that group. The seventh track "One Breath Away" written by R. Jones and I. Jones is a track that opens with samples followed by a catchy and nice beat very well supported by the voice of Rachel Jones. Despite it's a nice track to hear, it represents, for me, the only weak musical moment on the album. The eighth track "Out Of Reach" written by R. Jones and I. Jones is another very beautiful and nice track that features some very interesting strummed guitar performance and a nice vocal performance. Despite be a very simple song it's very pleasant to hear too. The ninth and last track "Heart Of Stone" written by written by R. Jones, J. Edwards and I. Jones opens with a great musical atmosphere before the vocals join it. This is also a song with great work by all band's members and where the entire band shines very high. This is, in my humble opinion, one of the best tracks on the album and represents also the finest and most progressive moment on it. This is a nice end to the album.

Conclusion: Everything on this album is very well done. "Delicate Flame Of Desire" is a collection of wonderful and well crafted songs. The work of all band's members is great. It sounds magically driven by the beautiful, dynamic and evocative voice of Rachel Jones. Paul Davies supplies a beautiful and powerful guitar work that provides a tasteful and emotional guitar solos or folk acoustic guitar textures. Jonathan Edwards does a marvellous job creating the pastoral sonic landscape to the rest of the band. Ian Jones plays his bass, functioning in a perfect synchronization with the solid and precise drums of Gavin Griffiths. Add the mix back voice of the backing vocalist and flutist Anne-Marie Helder and we have the complete picture. Karnataka is an original prog band with their sound oscillating between the symphonic and folk. I'm convinced that "Delicate Flame Of Desire" is a great album and represents something they can be proud.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)