Line-up / Musicians

- Kimmo Dammert / bass
- Mikko Happo / electric & acoustic guitars, didgeridoo
- Teemu Kilponen / drums, percussion
- Janne Lounatvuori / synthesizers, electric piano
- Sami Wirkkala / electric, acoustic & midi guitars, Jawharp, synthesizers
- Olli Rautiainen / trumpet (3), accordion (4)
- Heikki Tuhkanen / trombone (3 & 6)
- G.O.D / harmonium (1)
- Annea / cello (6)

Alternative Cover;


WallPaper;



_________________________________
Review form ProgArchives by obiter;

After the exuberance of Live at 11am we have a studio album from the Finnish spaceproggers. Hot on its heels is the Live at Heart release recorded at the Burg Yerzberg festival which presents us with live versions of 4 of the tracks from this new album (only 322 and Flora/Fauna are ommitted)

While this is a "heavier" album it is also one which introduces cello, accordion, trumpet, trombone and harmonium (not your usual equipment list for a rocking night out). Hidria have pushed the envelope more in this album than I expected. There is the same weaving of themes within a track but there are more grand sweeps, significant control and contrast of mood.

This the "proggest" offering yet (if such a word has any meaning).

The title track has an unmistakable Hidria opening but there is a more accomplished balance and harmony between the elements that existed in the earlier albums. There is now clear blue water between the Spacefolk and Ozric Tentacles to whom they are invariably compared. Some of the guitar work towards the end of the track reminds me of early Steve Rothery.

Futur Ixiom is a quantum leap from previous albums. The opening couple of minutes are accomplished spacerock, with the emphasis on rock. 322 opens like a Led Zep number but the le Hidria synth appears and all seems to be heading for satisfying conclusion, when, Hey! hold on, breakdown, funky drum beat and brass section: it's Starsky & Hutch. Groovy Baby! You just could not see that one coming: excellent.

Floar/Fauna is an interesting change of mood, accordion included. I enjoyed the slower, measured feel, and the heavier end was interesting.

Radien is a classic. This is quintessential Hidria. Driving bass, bubbles, tight drums welded to that bass and the guitar picking out a simple distinctive riff. No sign of the Vai/Wynne soloing. The changes of tempo and rhythm are smoother and the mood can be a little darker. Excellent

The first few bars of Sine could be early Sabbath (waiting for Ozzy to come in ... "Generals gathered in ....) but the tempo rises. The modd is brought right down to an ambient hypntoic level. So much more control and patience here than I expected. Guitar is measured and sound & tone spot on. A range of influences abound: Sabbath (with quite a few Ward-esque rolls) at times there's a hint of Hawkwind and even Rush.

With a wave of the hand we are definitely back in Hidria territory:

but boy has this territory expanded.

Best yet ...


_________________________
StabWound's macro review;

A bloody phenomenal album, an absolute must have for any prog fan!