LIGHTS FROM THE DEEP

Featuring like-minded musicians who are obviously fond of 70s progressive rock music IGNATIUS was born nearly 10 years ago in Barcelona/Spain. The quartet took up all the time to mature the sound over the course ... and finally this indulging debut has been released in 2011 on Musea Records. They are calling up a wide range of musical influences from classic to heavy rock - I would classify their music a cross-section of keyboard dominated symphonic and psychedelic prog to sum it up, and this also includes some well put references to known prog dinosaurs.

Bleeding Souls starts a bit Astra like where the smooth Emptiness is blatantly Genesis reminiscent ... initially ... evolves to something IGNATIUS typical though over the course. According to their basic influences Resurrection is such a representative example I'd say - while showing a weird opening this is drifting into a heavy direction first, but soon runs into a wonderful relaxed symphonic turn ... and finally comes back to the initial heavy mood. Excellent as for the compositional aspect at least!

Spiked with way more psychedelic ingredients the title song deserves the crown later on. Well, I adore this, close to a prog masterpiece this comes with a proper length of nearly 13 minutes! A very atmospheric exemplar, highly melodic. And then luxuriant keyboard patterns as well as lively synth excursions are present on the dramatic closing piece Morning Moon - the song is embraced by floating Eloy alike impressions, not missing a rocking part however.

So what's up here in the end? IGNATIUS offer a running time of nearly 60 minutes apportioned on six well produced songs. Stylistically this album is not a new venture and as for a minor point I wished they had a singer with a more varied voice. But that's it, when it comes to some objections. On the other hand I still have a glowing preference on 'Lights From The Deep' - especially the title track - and this applies for a relatively long period in the meanwhile. The reason is that they are offering insipred elaborations including a special sense for melody and harmony. Take your time to listen - it needs some attempts to unfold. Big Big Train fans also should pay attention here right now.