THE HUMBLE POET

FIG LEAF were a four piece band out of Norway who released three studio albums during the second half of the 90's. The debut called "Hum" that is shown on the site here is when they were called FIG LEAF MUSEUM, so it's cool to have that included here. Their first proper album is from 1995 called "Plays Bob W. And Other Selections" and was apparently a low budget affair but I haven't heard it. Next was "The Humble Poet" from 1997 where they get some backing and studio time resulting in a very solid, hard rocking record for the most part.

I was surprised though when I saw they were listed under Prog Metal here as this comes across more as a Heavy Prog record. After seeing that though I spun it a couple of more times, and sure the vocals bring Metal to mind and sometimes the music, but this feels more rooted in the 70's. "New Ship" the opener is getting close to Proto Prog territory with that organ driven sound and this is fast paced. Not typical of the rest of the album, and really this is not a good start to this recording. There's a nice heavy sound to that title track and they contrast the mellow with that very well. Some uplifting moments here too.

"Shadowlands" is a favourite for the tone of the guitar. "On The Seventh Day" is another highlight, and it has it all really. Love the bass and that guitar solo, and it's uplifting here as well. "Hi There" is the most metal sounding track in my opinion. "The Critic" might be my favourite for the heaviness and again it clicks with me emotionally and is quite uplifting. More of that great sounding bass as well. The album ends with "Thanks" just over 3 minutes worth then silence before a 9 minute hidden track shows up. The hidden song is pleasant along with "Thanks" being very laid back with flute.

The vocals do bring this down some but that's more to do with that opening track. Still, I have to go 4 stars for this emotionally charged album. Released in 1997 which was a tough year for our music. 1997 was a surprisingly strong year for the Norwegians. I mean they run the show these days but here's four really good records back when times were tough for Norway, including "The Humble Poet" along with IN THE WOODS... "Omnio", TANGLE EDGE's "Tarka" and THE SMELL OF INCENSE's "Through The Gates Of Deeper Slumber". Add the three amazing albums from Sweden and these two nations dominate my 1997 list.