THE GATES OF PARADISE

This record represents us Robert Fripp's 1990's soundscape playing, now done mostly in the studio, and in my opinion stands as a culmination point for his spiritual solo works. There are few parts which were recorded live according the record booklet, and the music sequences are mixed together as two contrasting suites. "The Outer Darkness" dwells in the frightful spheres of purgatory, and "The Gates of Paradise" float in the ever blissful states of nirvana, escaping my talent of vocabulary description. The abstract and cacophonous sinister sequences hold their balance with interesting logics, longer drones giving the shape forming monumentally, and the tenderness of divine moments flow with unbelievably slow pace, enjoying each step closer to Eden. From this religious concept Mr. Fripp has also done some notes, following his severe philosophic contemplation of late hours, these results being recorded to the essays of the booklet.

As a sad anecdote, the marvelous starting sound field "The Outer Darkness" was recycled to King Crimson's "Power to Believe" album. This doesn't lower the status of "The Gates of Paradise" CD, but irritated me strongly as I listened the previously mentioned KC album. Possibly I felt there was a risk of staining this album's sanctity, when associating with post-Bruford Crimson record I did not like. The motive was possibly same than using "(No Pussyfooting)" tapes on Wetton-era Crimson lives as an opener.