BLAZING REVELATIONS

Listening to Dominic Sanderson's latest album, ' Blazing Revelations' is like stepping into a prog time machine. This album proudly displays its influences, drawing deeply from the wellspring of titans like King Crimson, Genesis, Van Der Graaf Generator, and Gentle Giant. Yet, it never feels like a mere homage; instead, Sanderson creates a listening experience that is both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh.

From the very start, the dark, opaque mix sets the tone - a deliberate choice, in my opinion, that gives it that authentic "vintage" feel. The production is a masterpiece of balance: with enough classic analog warmth, but also just enough clarity to let each instrument breathe. The dynamic range here is breathtaking, allowing subtle nuances and explosive moments to shine equally. This attention to detail makes each listen rewarding, revealing new layers and complexities with every spin.

The instrumental choices are simply a godsend for any prog fan. The extensive use of the Hammond organ, mellotron, saxophone, and flute transports you straight back to the golden age. One of the most intriguing aspects of the album is the vocal performance. There are moments when Sanderson's phrasing and delivery channel a raw emotion and anguish very much like Peter Hammill, evoking the theatricality and intensity of the 'Pawn Hearts' era. The way his voice tenses and trembles in certain passages adds extra weight to the album's already immersive atmosphere.

While this is my first approach to Sanderson's work -having not yet heard his debut- it's clear he knows the terrain he's treading on. 'Blazing Revelations' is an emotional and sonic journey, the kind of album that begs to be revisited again and again. Each listen brings up new details, whether in the labyrinthine song structures, the play of light and shadow in the instrumentation, or the sheer expressive power of the compositions.

For those who yearn for the spirit of '70s progressive rock but are looking for something with its own personality, 'Blazing Revelations' is a must. Sanderson not only embraces the past, but embodies it, transforming it into something deeply personal and undeniably captivating.

Music: 5 stars

Lyrics: 3 stars

Execution: 5 stars

Emotion: 5 stars

Production: 4 stars

Artwork: 3 stars

Average: 4.16