FROM WITHIN

It is actually a man in a giant balloon on the cover of this record. This album still has those dramatic contrasts like the first two records, but there are much longer instrumental excursions where they drift along for longer periods of time.

What an intense opening to this record with the first track "From Within". This is just plain heavy as the guitar plays over top before a minute. It then settles with vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Kicks back in 3 1/2 minutes with a wall of mellotron. Great sound. This heavy undercurrent continues throughout. Guitar after 6 minutes then keys come in. This is pure bliss for me. Vocals are back 7 minutes in to end it. What a powerful and emotional song. "Kiss Of Life" is a fan favourite, I love the vocals and of course the river of mellotron that floods this song. Huge bass in this one. Absolutely amazing song, one of my all time favs from them. They slow it down for "Groundbound", it's the only song that Nicklas doesn't sing lead. Jan Erik does a steller job while Nicklas is busy doing his Fripp impersonation. The guitar playing on this one is just mind-boggling, especially 3 1/2 minutes in as the bass shakes the soundscape. Killer section. The song ends very abruptly.

"Hole" might be my favourite track on here, it begins with mellotron and drums (I think we have a theme here. Haha) then things quiet down with gentle vocals that give way to the mellotron express. Fragile guitar brings peace until that mood is again shattered by the waves of mellotron. This song is like being in a dark, heavy mellotron storm. From the 5 minute mark to the 10 minute mark it's very pastoral then all hell breaks loose. Gasp ! "Slow Fire" gets better as it plays out. A ton of bottom end to start with. It settles a minute in when the vocals arrive. It calms down even more 3 minutes in. Mellotron a minute later. It's building. Guitar rips it up 5 minutes in as drums pound away. Vocals are back after 5 1/2 minutes as the tension eases. It kicks back in at 7 minutes. Killer sound. "Firefly" is dark and heavy with vocals arriving early. Mellotron after a minute.This is fairly slow paced. "The Sun Absolute" is a cool instrumental, with bass throbbing to open. Love the sound 1 1/2 minutes in as drums come in. Gale force mellotron a minute later and 4 1/2 minutes in. "For Someone" is an interesting way to close the record. It's delicate, serene and beautiful. A time to catch our breath and reflect. Some cello in this one.

In the liner notes the band thanks among others HOYRY KONE, LANDBERK, DARK AETHER PROJECT and ALAMAAIMAN VASARAT. And I want to thank ANEKDOTEN for making my life much better for having their music in it.