TESTAMENT

In 2007 the rhythm-section of the legendary Hungarian progrock band Solaris founded Solaris Fusion and released the mini-CD Mystica (2 compositions). In 2008 this Hungarian formation changed their name into Nostradamus with almost the same line-up (only a new flute player) but another musical direction, I would like to describe it as a Heavy Prog version of Solaris. On this album (from 2008) it's obvious that most musicians are classically trained, the interplay is awesome and especially the compositorial skills of keyboardplayer Valeria Barcsik are great. This turns listening to Testament into a captivating musical experience.

I am excited about the tension between the heavy sound (powerful rhythm-section, propulsive guitar riffs and harder-edged guitar) and the sparkling flute and sumptuous keyboards, it sounds like 'classical meets progmetal', great! My favourite moments on this CD.

Solarissimo: bombastic and dynamic with swirling flute, fat synthesizer flights and sensitive electric guitar runs (the Spanish undertones are strong).

Divine Comedy: between Heavy Prog and progmetal with fiery guitar, sparkling flute and orchestral keyboards.

The enervating and dynamic title track: omnipresent flute work, warm Grand piano, propulsive guitar riffs, a strong organ solo and excellent interplay.

A beautiful build-up in Emotion: from dreamy with twanging guitar to a compelling grand finale with howling guitar.

And warm interplay between classical flute and acoustic guitar in Secret In Hand.

A bit of a maverick is the short song African Cotton Typesetters In Ireland that blends African singing and Irish folk instruments, very special! The bonustrack My Emotion is a strong conclusion, it starts mellow with dreamy vocals and soaring keyboards and ends bombastic with howling electric guitar.

This is a stunning debut CD from this Hungarian formation, how cynical that Testament turned out to be their only album.

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