DOMAIN OF OBLIVION

Another concept album from Belgium's KEN'S NOVEL. I do think this one is an improvement over the debut I just don't find myself getting too excited about it unfortunately. Another long one coming in at 76 1/2 minutes. A boat-load of guests helping out on this one as well.

"Sadfield" opens with some atmosphere as piano then cello joins in. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes also join in. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes thankfully. Oh it's the vocalist that sounds like the singer from TILES, I forgot about that. A calm before 5 1/2 minutes with acoustic guitar and reserved vocals. It kicks back in. "Crowd On Sail" opens with a good heavy sound but it settles right down when the vocals arrive a minute in. Contrasts continue. Some silliness to end it. "Empress Of The Frozen Sea" sounds like a ship in the sea to open. Guitar and drums come in then it settles when the vocals arrive. Contrasts continue. This one rocks pretty good at times. I can't help but think of TILES during those sections. Some nice guitar late. "Rejected" features some strange sounds and guitar. Vocals then cello come in.

"Voices" is a mid-paced tune with vocals. It's ok. "Widom Peak" is divided into three parts.The first section features some crying guitar after a minute. The second section is catchy with vocals, while the third part gets heavy before a minute with organ before settling down. "The Hallucinogenic Lake" opens with laid back guitar. Sounds great too. Reserved vocals and bass join in. It's fuller 2 minutes in but still laid back. It kicks in around 8 minutes. "Peaceful ?" is a short spoken word piece. "Domain Of Oblivion" is the 16 minute epic. It's atmospheric early then it kicks in with vocals. Relaxing guitar with organ 7 minutes in,piano follows. Great sound 10 minutes in. Not a fan of the mellow piano / vocals section after 11 minutes. It picks back up to that earlier uptempo sound. "Distinctive Signs" opens with synths as fragile vocals join in. Bass then drums follow as it slowly builds. Nice guitar solo after 2 1/2 minutes. It's an ok ending to this long album.

Good album but nothing more as far as i'm concerned.