FALL OF THE WATCHER

And I am glad I did. Because this is a solid album. A good, easy listening album. That said, the lyrics are not that top- notch. And for me, lyrics are an essential part of the experience.

The album has 6 different lengthy songs.

Fall of the Watcher - Slowly the music appears from the background noise. We hear keys and guitar. Two instruments of importance on the album. A slow drum brings the rhythm to the track. Then the singing starts. I have to say, the track is pretty. But rather slow and uneventful. Luckily, there's a change of pace and the song becomes more interesting when the solo starts. The guitar solo is certainly a highlight. Reminiscent of Gilmour (indeed). 7/10

White Room - Another atmospheric track with a nice chorus, sonically. The lyrics appeal to me less. It continues until it reaches a bridge at 2.40. Which is followed by a nice guitar solo. The song ends more or less as it started. A bit too bland for my taste. 6.5/10

Drowning - A bit faster paced than the previous two songs, this one makes use of similar instrumentation and soundscapes. Including the guitar. There's more room for the sonic landscape of the keys. This is the shortest track. It shouldn't have lastest any longer indeed 6.5/10

Sacrificed in Vain - The longest track. The Magnus Opus of this album? Hardly. Very corny lyrics again. Which is getting irritating at this point. At 3.40, the guitars take the center stage and the track picks up pace and steam. This is more interesting and fun indeed. Not that we haven't heard this a million times before (and better). But it remains enjoyable. Also, the song returns to a slower pace rather quickly. This is where the energy leaves the track, although it continues for some minutes more. 7/10

Lack of Information - Somehow, the start of this track appeals to me. But the chorus is very similar to others we heard on this very same album. Same for the guitar solo. There's the (inevitable?) bridge. But it is quite boring for my ears. A guitar solo brings us to the end of the track, closed by delicate piano. 6.5/10

April Sky - A song in a similar pace and with a similar soundscape as the whole album basically. But it is a track that brings true closure to the album. I give it that. Although it is quite boring as well. 7/10

This album is solid. But not awe-inspiring. And I do hope this will not be a contender for album of the year. Because that would mean 2022 is a poor prog year.

2 stars. Good listen, but non-essential and only for fans.

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