HUNTING FOR SIGNIFICANCE

Female-fronted Dutch Prog band from Opmeer, established in 2002 by guitarist Eveline van Kampen along with two S.O.T.E. members bassist Peter H. Boer and drummer Emile Boellaard, and finally singer Esther Ladiges.In 2004 Illumion released the 3-track demo ''Into The Labyrinth'' with keyboardist Eveline Simons, two years later a second demo appeared, ''''Into The Labyrinth II'', with three original songs and three cover tracks.From this point on begins the hard work of the group to record an official debut, during which Simmons was replaced by Annemieke de Boer on keyboards.Eventually the album came out in May 2009 on Progress Records, entitled ''Hunting for Significance''.

Illumion play a modern Progressive Rock with both melodic and heavier moments, similar to tons of other bands of the style, but the band at least comes up with some pretty great tunes and decent arrangements despite the lack of originality.There are certain influences by bands like MAGENTA or THE GATHERING with Illumion having a nice ability to mix haunting, atmospheric textures with accomplished technique and rich musicianship.The tracks, all clocking around the 5-min. mark, at moments seems to lack passion, but they do not lack orientation or strong songwriting.''Hunting for Significance'' offers musicianship, which can be either refined, with strong Classical influences, warm female vocal lines and excellent guitar solos, or groovy, featuring heavy rhythmic guitars, pounding drumming and soaring synthesizers.Symphonic Rock and Neo Prog touches are all over the place, the vocals of Ladiges are nice without being something special and the compositions are well-crafted, incuding lots of good instrumental lines.

Far from groundbreaking, Illumion's debut could be easily listed next to series of similar-sounding albums of modern Prog Rock.But there is some great talent hidden in this band, that could make them a future Prog star.Nice and recommended work with a huge potential for something even better.