MUSIC MACHINE

I have mixed feelings about this CD. While it is very good as a concept album and very well crafted, it is definitly less progressive than Into The Sunset, his previous work. The hard rock side of Norlander prevails on this double album: it seems there is no coincidence that he recruited such hard rock stars like Kelly Keeling and Scott Kail to play the main parts. Ok, his sound is still prog, no matter what. Epilogue: Sky Full Of Stars is, in its ten minutes, one of Norlander's most beautiful prog instrumentals. And his keyboard playing is amazing and creative as ever.

Yet I was expecting more. As a concept album I found the storyline to be a little lacking originality. The playing, vocals, production and mixing are all top lotch. Not all the songs really work, but mostly they do. the album flows is even. but I really wish he had done something more epic and should explore more his obvious huge talent as a songwriter.

All in all, a good album. A mix of classic rock, hard rock and prog. If you like those styles then go for it. But if you want to see more prog parts, you should listen to Into The Sunset before tackling this one.