Karmakanic - Entering the Spectra - [Regain Records]

2003-01-11

What the world would look like 3000 years in the future? Pretty progressive according to Karmakanic. Jonas Reingold brilliant new side project is all about life 3000 years from now and progressive rock, metal and fusion in the current era.
This space fusion combination reminds a bit of Derek Sherinians Planet X only with beautiful melodic vocals and a softer approach.
To be honest Karmakanic sounds a lot like Flower Kings but I guess the likeness is inevitable when you recruit more than half of the original band. Same as Liquid Tension and Dream Theater.
Reingold recruited Gצran Edman that happens to be one of the best rock singers in Sweden (toured with Yngwie malmsteen) but gave him very Flower Kings style of melody lines.
Reingold also decided to double up almost every instrument except the bass and the result is a lineup of very talented musicians that certainly tributes to a complex and verse composition.
Ignoring the technical showoff parts, which obliged to this style, you may find this album has much depth and emotion.
Gצran Edman shows a lot of feel and dynamic and also a vocal variety ranging from sinister psychedelic in "The spirit remains the same" and through (Elton John style?) in "the end pt.1" to theatric "welcome to paradise".
Keyboard players Tomas Bodin (flower kings) and Robert Engstrand (Liberator)
Just keep competing for virtuoso and sound invention. I'd really like to know
Which one is responsible for the amazing solo take in "is this the end pt.2" I suspect Bodin if to judge by sound and style.
The drummers Jaime Salzar (flower kings) and Zoltan Csצrz keep fusion to jungle timing without losing a beat. Check out "Entering the Spectra".
The addition of Johan Glצssner (one of Sweden finest sessionist) to Roin Stolt turned out to be an excellent idea. Johan Glצssner has a heavier sound that Stolt is missing and the contrast between Glצssner heavy guitar to Stolts warm sound is just delicious. Take "the spirit remains the same" or "space race no.3 for example".
Jonas Reingold is switching styles and guitars relentlessly through fretless fusion, progressive metal and pure psychedelic on "one whole half" and even the classic
Cello suite no.1 in g major by bach (A short solo peace which is not really related to the general concept and was probably put in due to a momentary fit of Jeff Berlinizem)

At whole this one of the best concept albums I got to listen and enjoy of and in spite the powerful Flower Kings influences it still holds much originality, innovation and diversification. Highly recommended to all Yes, Asia, UK, Flower Kings and Spocks beard fans.

Tal Galfsky