BOOK OF THE DEAD

I've given this album a couple of spins over the course of approximately a year and after listening to it today I've realized that this is the perfect definition of hollow music. Originally I was intrigued by the idea of this supergroup and it's impressive roster of talent. With descriptions like "The Greatest Supergroup Since U.K." what could possibly go wrong?

Ken Jaquess is the mastermind behind this project, the song material and the concept. It becomes obvious early on that Jaquess is no Neal Morse which means that he doesn't know how to compose material or organize a project that would inspire creative collaboration. All the other so called band members are only here to contribute their names to the project since there isn't really a single contribution that is worth mentioning. There are a few instrumental sections that have been strategically placed for Allan Holdsworth/Yvette Devereaux/Ryo Okumoto to fill in with their instrument of choice on the recording. Which means that there is no interplay between these members! So how can this even be considered a group effort?

I realize that it might be harsh to complain about Shaun Guerin's contribution since Shaun passed away shortly after the completion of this album. To be fair there isn't anything wrong with his performance and any criticism I have can only be addressed towards Ken Jaquess' poor judgment and placement of the vocal sections. It feels like the vocal sections have the same purpose as the instrumental guest appearances and the music never feels like a coherent effort.

The only interesting thing about Book Of The Dead is how Ken Jaquess actually got away with calling this a band effort! This is nothing else but his solo album with a few well placed guest appearances and the fact that these appearances happen on every track still don't make it a band effort since a band needs to communicate and play together to achieve a creative collaboration.

I can only imagine that Allan Holdsworth completionists might be interested in this material and even they would be disappointed by this disjoint mess of an album.

*** star songs: Chapter 1 : Infinite Voyage (23:25)

** star songs: Chapter 2 : Mirror To The Spirits (6:54) Chapter 3 : The Edge Of Light (7:03) Chapter 4 : Aten (Window Of Appearences) (3:22) Chapter 5 : Cloak Of Antiquity (5:54)