TALES FROM AN ISLAND - IMPRESSIONS FROM RAPA NUI

It's always a pleasure to discover new Symphonic bands that show respect for the Classic era of the sub-genre, and don't limit themselves to copy what others did but instead add new elements that prove they have something original to add and that Symphonic doesn't have to be retro Prog as some people believe.

BLANK MANUSKRIPT from Salzburg - Austria, is one of this bands, leaded by Dominik Wallner (Keys, Vocals) and Alfons Wohlmuth (Bass, Flute, Vocals). the band took the risk to present a Conceptual album called Tales from an Island - Impressions from Rapa Nui as their debut, an album clearly rooted in Symphonic Prog but which combines elements that go from Hard Rock to Psyche and narrative elements and even jazzy passages.

It's surprising how they start the album with Breath of the Island an almost tribal introduction with a sober narration that places the audience in the correct scenario, but immediately they move to Voyage, a track that presents us a whole variety of sounds and influences, that go from Pink Floyd to Procol Harum and even dare to add jazzy passages but without leaving behind that evident Classical - Symphonic atmosphere, managing to make radical changes in such a way that flow naturally, fantastic way to open an album.

The band obviously give high importance to the keyboards but keep a great balance between instruments with excellent guitar work, complex percussion and good natural vocals, something incredibly hard to find on this days where anybody dares to sing based on technology that boosts almost any voice.

Each track gives us a surprise because they change the mood in a matter of seconds, some like The Great War with solid guitars and complex vocal words while others as The Cult of the Birdman that has practically everything a Proghead that respects himself (herself) wants to listen.

A special paragraph for the dramatic and haunting vocals and chorus in The Waiting by Veronika Obermeier, who really touched my soul.

No weak or boring moments, in other words an absolutely solid debut that leaves us with the taste of honey in the lips waiting for their next release.

I rarely give five stars to a debut album, being that I always expect more of the band, and even when in this case I've been tempted to make that exception, I believe BLANK MANUSKRIPT has much more to offer, so I will go with four very solid stars, hoping to hear their second release soon.

Highly recommended for any person interested in high quality music and great performance, that I'm sure no Progressive Rock fan will regret.