570.KYTHERA

SARAX are an experimental band from Chile who go from heavy KING CRIMSON / RUSH like soundscapes to spacey, atmospheric moods in a blink of an eye. This is a concept album that is a continuation from their previous record "Ejecucion". Although the vocals are not in English they do give English lyrics in the liner notes, as well as a story line in English even with the instrumental tracks. I am such a big fan of this style of music that combines heavy soundscapes with spacey,atmospheric passages.

"They Appear" is a short eerie, spacey intro. This sounds amazing played loud. "Zirok" has vocals and 60's sounding organ melodies.The vocals turn theatrical as the heaviness comes and goes. "Pirron" might be my favourite with the TOOL-like drumming as the guitars grind away.This is nice and heavy with deep vocals. Some ripping guitar follows, this sounds incredible ! This is 5 minutes of heavy guitar driven bliss. "Glorio's Prayer (Resent II)" continues the assault for over a minute before it settles down with piano and spoken words. The heaviness returns and the guitar after 2 1/2 minutes is fantastic ! Some nice angular melodies.This is heavy ! "Boycoting The Propulsor" opens with some brief spoken words before grinding guitar and heavy drums take over. Check out the rhythm section 1 1/2 minutes in. Spoken words close out the song after the heaviness stops. "Makronas Nightmares" opens with a haunting atmosphere as bass, piano, synths and cymbals play slowly. The heaviness and vocals arrive reminding me of BI KYO RAN. The contrast continues.Some scorching guitar 3 minutes in.

"Events At Kop(Mother Spider)" is an uptempo tune with fast paced drumming. Great guitar and vocals too. "Storm's Horns" opens with slow paced piano, and the guitar sounds are tremendous. Lots of atmosphere and deep vocals.Very good song. "Deliberating" has a catchy melody of drums and organ. "Iarkos Escape" has some nice fat bass lines with some beautiful lazy guitar melodies. A great instrumental. "Final Party" is a bit of a ride as it opens with vocal melodies and lots of atmosphere before it changes with light drums and piano in a jazzy section. More atmosphere 3 1/2 minutes in as it gets a little creepy with almost death-like vocals as well. "Cristalized" features slowly played piano with synths in the background while the album ends with the very short "Monologue" that has some spoken words with dissonant sounds.

I know this isn't everybody's cup of tea, but i'll have the whole pot thank you. Highly recommended album and band.