BOOK OF THE DEAD

The brains behind this project is Ken Jauquess from the Neo-Prog band ATLANTIS. He has brought together some incredible talent, not the least of those being the great Allan Holdsworth on guitar. Ryo Okumoto from SPOCK'S BEARD is on keyboards, and while I wasn't familiar with the other members I sure am now. Sad that the Gabriel-like vocalist Shaun Guerin passed away not long after this recording.There is some really good violin on this one as well from Yvette Devereaux. I'm just so used to hearing Holdsworth on Jazz / Fusion albums that it's a real treat to hear him in this setting. This is a concept album about the Egyptian "Book Of The Dead" and it's divided into 5 chapters or songs.

The album opens with the 23 1/2 minute "Infinite Voyage". Lots of atmosphere to start before the piano comes in around a minute. A full sound after 1 1/2 minutes including mellotron. Amazing sound ! Check out Holdsworth and also the huge bass. Violin comes screaming in after 3 1/2 minutes with tons of atmosphere. Vocals for the first time 4 minutes in. It kicks in after 6 minutes with violin. Great sound here with huge bass. Holdsworth before 9 1/2 minutes starts to light it up. Love the sound 10 minutes in with vocals, mellotron and bass. Guitar joins in ripping it up. It turns spacey then drums and guitar come in after 11 1/2 minutes. It settles with vocals 14 minutes in then kicks back in with lots of synths. Massive bass before 21 1/2 minutes. Vocals and mellotron join in then guitar. Incredible !

"Mirror To The Spirits" opens with synths as intricate guitar and mellotron join in. A full sound with organ a minute in. Huge bass as vocals join in with mellotron. Great tune. Atmosphere after 3 1/2 minutes as the melody stops. Vocals are back 5 minutes and the melody follows. "The Edge Of Light" opens with pulsating keys then organ as violin rips it up. Vocals before a minute as it settles some. Synths follow. Violin 2 minutes in. Lots of atmosphere 4 minutes in and the bass is prominant as usual. Guitar solo to the end. "Aten (Window Of Appearances)" features atmosphere and bass throughout in this instrumental. "Cloak Of Antiquity" opens with synths, mellotron and drums. Violin comes in. Vocals and bass standout eventually as the song kicks in. This is really good. Great beat. A calm after 4 1/2 minutes but not for long as guitar and drums take care of that.

A solid 4 stars. I really like the melancholic mood and fat bass lines. Of course Holdsworth never disappoints. Just a really enjoyable album for me.