TOM DONCOURT & MATTIAS OLSSON'S CATHEDRAL

Tom Doncourt is known for his work with Cathedral the symphonic band that released the excellent album ''Stained Glass Theories'' in 1978. He has released some albums of experimental music in an ambient and electronic style with some guest musicians including Mattias Olsson's ex-drummer of Anglagard. This collaboration release is more in the symphonic prog style than his previous releases. Together and with other musicians they have recorded their parts in their respective studios. This album was finished after Tom's passing by Mattias. The result is a stunning 35 minutes of music with those vintage sounds of strong keyboard melodies with a brilliant rhythm section. The music is dark, melancholic, and introspective with some beautiful arrangements and rich instrumentation. The album is 2 long songs separated by some little pieces. You can hear some influence of King Crimson and the unique Swedish prog style. The highlight song is the 12 minutes ''Poppies in a Field'' with his haunting melodies, sumptuous keyboard melodies, and that modern Kink Crimson's style of drumming. My only complaint is that this album is too short.