IGNATIUS

Crazy!

Sometimes, I don't know how, I come across a masterpiece. This was the case one day in 2011, when I discovered this unknown Spanish group. A big slap! First of all, we think we'll come across yet another version of neo progressive rock (because of the sound and some common elements), but make no mistake, these guys aren't here to serve you pop simple and effective, nor playing the same bars for ages with classical verse / chorus structures. No, the music of Ignatius is complex and changeable. The keyboards are powerful, lush and intense, and the guitar follows in a duet or alternates with them. Everything is composed and performed with brio. You just have to watch the video posted on youtube of "Resurection Live" to understand that we are dealing with real professionals (what a bass player!). Although their style is more akin to the 70ths than modern prog, difficult to clearly point to an influence. It may vaguely recall Eloy, or Camel at times. But that's all. Special mention to the drummer. This guy is awesome! Listen for example to his incredible disembodied tempo at 7:38 on 'Lights From The Deep', the title track. Or how he dances on the medium toms on the finale of "Morning Moon".

Since 2011, it is unfortunately silence. There remains this dazzling one-shot, an absolute masterpiece and one of the twenty best records of symphonic prog post 2000.

Featuring like-minded musicians who are obviously fond of 70s progressive rock music IGNATIUS was born nearly 10 years ago in Barcelona/Spain. The quartet took up all the time to mature the sound over the course ... and finally this indulging debut has been released in 2011 on Musea Records. They are calling up a wide range of musical influences from classic to heavy rock - I would classify their music a cross-section of keyboard dominated symphonic and psychedelic prog to sum it up, and this also includes some well put references to known prog dinosaurs.

Bleeding Souls starts a bit Astra like where the smooth Emptiness is blatantly Genesis reminiscent ... initially ... evolves to something IGNATIUS typical though over the course. According to their basic influences Resurrection is such a representative example I'd say - while showing a weird opening this is drifting into a heavy direction first, but soon runs into a wonderful relaxed symphonic turn ... and finally comes back to the initial heavy mood. Excellent as for the compositional aspect at least!

Spiked with way more psychedelic ingredients the title song deserves the crown later on. Well, I adore this, close to a prog masterpiece this comes with a proper length of nearly 13 minutes! A very atmospheric exemplar, highly melodic. And then luxuriant keyboard patterns as well as lively synth excursions are present on the dramatic closing piece Morning Moon - the song is embraced by floating Eloy alike impressions, not missing a rocking part however.

So what's up here in the end? IGNATIUS offer a running time of nearly 60 minutes apportioned on six well produced songs. Stylistically this album is not a new venture and as for a minor point I wished they had a singer with a more varied voice. But that's it, when it comes to some objections. On the other hand I still have a glowing preference on 'Lights From The Deep' - especially the title track - and this applies for a relatively long period in the meanwhile. The reason is that they are offering insipred elaborations including a special sense for melody and harmony. Take your time to listen - it needs some attempts to unfold. Big Big Train fans also should pay attention here right now.

Ignatius is a young band from Spain with an excellent debute album named Lights from the deep released this year 2011 but the copositions are almost 10 years older. The sound, the compositions all are very well done on this release and I was little surprise to see that they are only 3 members, because the music is very complx, progressive rock like it was done in the '70's with all ingredients of good quality.. The vocalist Ricardo Boya does aswell keybords parts and some bass arrangements, while Toni Castarlenas is responsable for guitar and Marcelo Ortiz drums. Long pieces, captivating arrangements, intelligent symphonic prog is all about here, and wahat a great unexpected debute from this spanish band. Excellent musicianship with top notch performance, imaginative duels between keyboards and guitar, very good voice remind me a little bit of Gentle Giant, even in music in some parts, a great example is the openinng track Bleeding Souls, briliant , and sets the atmosphere for the next 6 pieces. Not a weak moment here, all is almost perfect, even the cover art is quite intristing. Ignatius , sounds enjoyble and exciting, similar with masters as Genesis, Yes or Gentle Giant, but aswell has a plenty of their own twists that make this album so great. Recommended one of the most captivating debutes of this year and fans of prog rock don't miss this one, worth it for sure.