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Book Of Reflections -
Chapter II: Unfold The
Future
(8,5/10) - V/A -
2006 |
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Genre: Progressive Power Metal
Label:
Lion Music
Playing time: 55:48
Band homepage: -
Tracklist:
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Unfold The Future
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Bringer Of The Torch
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Free My Soul
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Heal Me
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Uncover The Lie
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Ashes To Ashes
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Make Sure You Don’t Fall
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Deep Inside
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Blink Of An Eye
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Got To Get Low
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Love Conquers All
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“Unfold The Future” is the
second chapter in the BOOK OF
REFLECTIONS saga. The project
itself is the brainchild of
virtuoso guitarist Lars Eric
Mattsson. As showcased on the
album, Mattsson is no slouch
when it comes to deeply
technical and progressive music;
he also has a keen ear for
talent, as he surrounds himself
with other highly skilled
musicians on “Unfold The Future”,
thus resulting in an excellent
Progressive Power Metal
collaboration.
Aside from Mattsson, we have
Björn Jansson (TEARS OF ANGER)
and Martin LeMar (TOMORROW’S
EVE) splitting vocal duties,
Anand Mahangoe (SPHERE OF SOULS)
dueling Mattsson on lead guitar,
Mistheria (from Bruce
Dickinson’s solo band!) on keys,
and Mattsson’s longtime
partner-in-crime Eddie
Sledgehammer on the skins.
Though these names may be
unfamiliar to most, they truly
sound like an all-star cast,
thanks to Lion Music’s
characteristically decent
production. The vocals are a
little buried sometimes, but it
hardly affects the overall sound
of the record.
As far as the songs themselves,
most of the tracks on “Unfold
The Future” generally consist of
powerful, technical verses
combined with shout-along
choruses. “Free My Soul” is a
perfect example of this highly
melodic Prog sound. After the
choruses, Mattsson and Mahangoe
both rip out killer high-speed
solos, thus rounding out the
song perfectly. Much of the
album is built upon these basic
elements, though the manner in
which Mattsson chooses to go
about delivering them is
entirely unpredictable.
In contrast to the chaotic
energy of the title track, we
have a single acoustic number on
the album, “Blink Of An Eye”.
It’s so different from anything
else on the album that one just
has to appreciate its simplicity.
In all respects, it’s a very
beautiful and atmospheric ballad
which shows Mattsson
transitioning flawlessly from
complicated off-beat riffing to
soft, casual acoustic picking.
If you’re looking for a little
bit of variety with your Power
Metal, then “Chapter II: Unfold
The Future” should be right up
your alley. Not all the songs
are winners, but it’s chock-full
of complex material combined
with catchy choruses. Fans of
KAMELOT will dig this one for
sure.
(Online December 21, 2006)
www.metal-observer.com |
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“Book
of Reflections” is one of the many
projects of the guitarist, composer and
owner of this band, Lars Eric Mattson. A
true Jack-of-all-trades. He started this
project at 2004, Chapter II, Unfold the
Future is the second album of Book of
Reflections and hit the shops in
November 2006.
People could describe their music as a
mix between classic hard rock and power
metal, Dream Theater with some Sonata
Arctica and Alice Cooper.
Book of Reflections opens the album with
a stormy track, “Unfold the Future”, a
rough melodic track in which the vocals
come out beautiful, even as the loud
guitars which scream throughout the
track.
The album continuous with the second
track, “Bringer of the Torch”. A less
bombastic track than the first one of
this album.
The nicest thing of this album is the
variety between tracks. They start with
a rough track then continue with a
somewhat softer track. The most relaxed
track on this album is “Heal me”. It’s a
combination of piano, violins and the
vocals, by far the most dramatic and
easiest track of the whole album.
“Book of Reflection” has a nice number
of varying and interesting tracks
brought together in one album. All in
all, a very suitable album for lovers of
power metal.
www.gothtronic.com
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Book of
Reflections
Chapter II: Unfold the Future Lion Music
Comments: It's his damn label and he will play
amazing guitar keyboards and bass if he wants
to. Ha ha . Lars Eric Mattsson's talents is but
one of the amazing musical temptations here on
this eclectic progressive metal album. The
second album in the project, this one is
slightly more melodic and progressive. There are
the usual guest performers of course. Mistheria
(Bruce Dickinson) arrives on keyboards, Eddie
Sledgehammer on drums and both Bjorn Jansson
(Tears Of Anger) and Martin LeMar (Tomorrow's
Eve) are on vocal duties. There is also a second
guitar slot used here and it is played by Anand
Mahangoe (Sphere Of Souls, Solo). The songs are
pretty basic but the musicianship is what this
album is all about.
Sledgehammer banging the life out of the skins
on the second track is a great example. Wow is
the production of the recording slanted well for
the percussion. Good Lord. It is on the third
track "Free My Soul" that Mahangoe get's off on
his first of three guitar solos, a spirited
effort indeed. The vocals are handled well by
both men and take nothing from the wonderfully
played instruments on any of the songs. They
compliment and uplift the progressive grooves
but never distract from the killer melodies.
Mattsson is the real story here though, and his
overall ability to not simply handle his pieces
on keys, bass and guitar are unreal. The
keyboard play of the multi talented Mattson is
well done too, as seen on the solo on track
three "Free My Soul" and the deft beauty and
gentle nature of his playing on the next cut
"Heal Me." Obviously, axe wizard Mattson hits up
plenty of his classic shredtastic playing on the
guitar. The rocket fast mini solo twelve seconds
into the album and the elongated version of this
on song six show that those skills have only
improved with age. There's a conventional metal/
shred solo of the first rate on "Got to Get
Low." Hell, he even plays acoustic guitar as
well on track nine.
Lars obviously was the project leader and had
the task of blending all the talents of the
numerous performers into a cohesive mixture of
enjoyable music. And in that task he was most
successful. Lars Eric Mattson's work has really
stepped up these past few years. It seems that
Mr. Mattson is approaching the level of Tony
MacAlpine who is a wizard on the keys as well as
being an awesome axe slinger.
Great job Mr. Lion Music, great job. Everyone
that loves progressive music and tremendous
instrumentation will love this release.
Especially guitar heads. Pick one up at today.
Band Members:
Lars Eric Mattsson - guitars, bass, keyboards,
vocals
Björn Jansson - vocals 1,5,8
Martin LeMar - vocals 2, 6, 9
Anand Mahangoe - first guitar solo 3, main
guitar solo 8, first guitar solo 11
Mistheria - keyboard solo 5, 6, 7, 10
Eddie Sledgehammer - drums
Track Listing:
1. Unfold the Future
2. Bringer of the Torch
3. Free My Soul
4. Heal Me
5. Uncover the Lie
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. Make Sure You Don't fall
8. Deep Inside
9. Blink of an Eye
10. Got to Get Low
11. Love Conquers All
HRH Rating: 8/10
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BOOK OF REFLECTIONS - Chapter II: Unfold The Future
Lion Music
Release Date: 2006-11-24
by: FRANK JAEGER www.metalexpressradio.com
Email: frank@metalexpressradio.com |
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Lion Music has become a constant when it comes to
Progressive, Melodic, and Neoclassical Metal. With
surprising regularity, new albums are released from
bands that never fail to exhibit a certain strength in
composing, and definitely know how to handle their
instruments. The average quality of a Lion release is
quite astonishing, especially when one takes into
consideration that there are about three outputs per
month. A fan of said styles is normally safe in picking
up (almost) any of their albums -- of course, since they
typically sail the same seas, this goes entirely the
other way for fans of other genres. But, it's a very
commendable thing, to find a label that is absolutely
reliable in every aspect. You've got to tip your hat for
that.
Truth be told, this Book Of
Reflections album is again a top release. That is not
surprising at all when one looks at the musicians: Book
Of Reflections is officially marked a Lion Music
artists’ all-star project, and Chapter II – Unfold
The Future is, as hinted, the second release.
Mastermind Lars Eric Mattsson has composed and mixed
every track, so it seems like it could be one of his
solo albums with some guests. If one is familiar with
Mattsson’s releases, this fact shines through more than
occasionally, so the album would not stand out much if
it had his name on the cover instead of Book Of
Reflections. As a side note, Mattsson’s 2003 release,
Power Games, that reminds occasionally of Ayreon’s
ingenious Star One project, and features Lance King
(Balance Of Power, Pyramaze), or last year’s War
with singer Mark Boals (Ex-Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire), are
good starts to begin your journey into his works if you
do not know Mattsson already.
But back to the musicians ... here is
a list of artists who contributed to the album:
Lars Eric Mattsson – guitars, bass,
keyboards, vocals
Björn Jansson (Tears
Of Anger/Beyond
Twilight) - vocals on three tracks
Martin LeMar (Tomorrow’s
Eve) - vocals on three tracks
Anand Mahangoe (Sphere
Of Souls) - guitar solo
Mistheria (Bruce
Dickinson) - keyboard solo
Eddie Sledgehammer (Beyond
Twilight/Condition Red/Vision) – drums
However, what difference does it make
if it is called Book Of Reflections or Mattsson as long
as the songs are of such a quality! Mattsson takes it
often slightly straighter than he averagely does solo,
and that makes the album more accessable. At times, the
album positively reminds of Rainbow or Axel Rudi Pell as
in “Ashes To Ashes” or the opening title track, but
Mattsson’s favor for breaks and interludes is always
apparent. “Free My Soul” is a very good example of that
since it would be a straight, speedy song if composed by
somebody else. But not here -– a few short disharmonies,
unexpected pace, key changes and/or vocal interludes
interrupt the song before it continues on its journey
through one’s ears and into his feet.
That habit shines through frequently
throughout the CD, be it in fast tracks or slower tunes.
And, since he plays most instruments himself, it is
quite common that the guitar gives way to a dominant
keyboard for extravagant solos like in “Make Sure You
Don’t Fall.”
All that seems to be less convincing
in written form -- one just has to listen to the weird
beginning of “Deep Inside” or the cool vibe of “Got To
Get Low” to be able to understand the variety exhibited
here, limited as it may be within the genre chosen and
never left, which even does not shy aways from a
straight ballad, “Blink Of An Eye,” and a last song
called “Love Conquers All,” which is based on rather
strange keyboard play that almost sounds off key. And,
after just over three minutes, it plunges into a guitar
solo followed by a keyboard solo -– and everything
continues to sound slightly off key, but still it all
fits and makes an interesting composition.
If one finds any negative points at
all, it is that Lars Mattsson, while being a good singer
with a bit too much vibrato in his voice, is only the
third best vocalist on the album. But, that is only due
to the fact that the other two, Björn Jansson and Martin
LeMar, are just so incredibly good.
Web:
www.LarsEricMattsson.com
Web:www.Myspace.com/BookOfReflections
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Book Of Reflection - Chapter II:
Unfold The Future (Lion Music) By: Joe Florez
www.live4metal.com
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I was more than impressed with the debut
a while back. It was a real treat to hear something so
different at the time. For people that know about this
band, it’s a project spearheaded by guitarist and owner
of Lion Music, Lars Eric Mattsson. Just like this
release, there are various singers and musicians. I
mainly gravitated toward the first offering due to the
unique singing style of one Hubi Meisel. I was just
mesmerized by what he had to offer on a few of the track
the first around. I thought he would be on here, but
sadly…no. So, let’s find out what is in store this time
out, shall we? The title track leads the way and all I
can say is…WOW! While many may say that the combination
of progressive with power |
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metal is nothing new, which it isn’t, you
have to hear how it’s composed. It’s fantastic. It’s
heavy, neo-classical, fast, technical and then some.
Bjorn Jannson from Tears Of Anger offers his vocal
capabilities and he has a strong voice that never
cracks. Lars throws in some really wicked guitar riffs
and solos that will blow the mind. The ivory key
tickling on here somewhat dominates the song, but it’s
ok because it only accents the song. It’s classical at
times, fancy and even tripped out in an Amorphis way.
Love the song. With such a strong beginning, can the
group keep this up? “Bringer Of The Torch” injects a
middle eastern atmosphere with some 70’s Pink Floyd-ish
keyboard work wrapped around a more mid paced tune that
once again entertains the mind and ears. Marin LeMar
from Tomorrow’s Eve offers his services and he too has a
set of deep lungs that stand out for all the right
reasons. Just to show everyone how versatile this record
can be, we are treated to a slow and very sad ballad
thanks to “Heal Me.” The vocals are somber and
depressing as well lush bringing to mind Massiah
Marcolin from Candlemass and Jape Peratalo from
To/Die/For/. The piano and violin inclusion only helps
to bring out the tears from your eyes just by giving it
a spin. Want more? “Uncover The Lie” features a guest
keyboard solo by an artist known as Mistheria. Most
people would say who gives a rats arse, but when I dug
just a bit deeper I found out that it’s everyone’s
favorite “air raid siren” Bruce Dickinson. He shows up a
couple of more times on here surprisingly. And I must
admit, he ain’t that bad. It’s was quite cool to inject
to say the least. Quite proggy. I wasn’t too sure what
to expect on here, but that is just part of the fun.
Trying to find out what will stick in your head and what
won’t. The only thing I knew was that it was going to be
progressive, but to what extent and how predictable
would it be. I am happy to report that this is chock
full of excitement that will keep you hooked from start
to finish in any style that a song is performed in. This
is no paint by numbers release. Dive in.
www.lionmusic.com |
www.larsericmattsson.com |
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Book of
Reflections – Chapter II: Unfold
the Future
2006 Lion Music
Mattsson and Co. again
continue a ‘reflective’
legacy.
Following up to the first
release from 2004, the
second chapter of Unfold
the Future takes the
conceptual path of the first
into a much more melodic
direction, putting more
elements of melodic rock and
AOR at the forefront along
with the attack of technical
progressive metal &
neo-classical textures. At
the helm with
guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/composer
Lars Eric Mattsson,
are vocalists Bjorn Jansson
(Tears of Anger) & Martin
LeMar (Tomorrow’s Eve),
guitarist Anand Mahangoe
(Sphere of Souls),
keyboardist Mistheria (Bruce
Dickinson), and drummer
Eddie Sledgehammer; so there
is a different lineup than
the first record, making for
a slightly different sound.
But like the first chapter,
there is a less brash
‘neo-classical’ sound, where
again, more melodies are
intact, for which this is
apparent on tracks such as
“Bringer of the Torch,” the
ballad “Blink of an Eye” and
the hard driving title cut.
But of course, Mattsson
unleashes his precision
based compositional skills
and chops, and this is
played out on opuses like
the staccato laden “Got to
Get Low,” the symphonic
tinged “Free My Soul,” and
the mystically intense
“Uncover the Lie;”
Mattsson knows how to
make it all work.
Chapter II: Unfold the
Future is a continuation
of the first, and shows a
different musical approach,
packing fury, power, and
dynamic melodies that have
that Mattsson sound
written all over them.
Added:
November 12th 2006
Reviewer:
Tommy Hash
www.ytsejam.com
Score:
Related Link:
Lars Eric
Mattsson Link |
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Band:
Book Of Reflections
Title:
Chapter II - Unfold The Future
Label: Lion Music |
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Book of
Reflections is the brainchild of Lars Eric Mattsson and
features some of Lion Music’s utmost vocal talent, with
both Bjorn Jansson of Tears of Anger and Martin LeMar
off Tomorrows Eve, both laying down three vocal tracks
each. Combined with Mattsson providing the remaining
vocals, also featured on this quite outstanding album
are Mistheria, who lends his keyboard talents to the
fold, and Anand Mahangoe of Sphere of Souls, who
provides addition guitars, and last but not least, long
time collaborator with Mattsson the infamous drumming
prowess of Eddie Sledgehammer.
The album
opens up with Jansson taking up the vocal mantel on the
title track ‘Unfold The Future’. A real storming track
that gets the album started with it's heavy but
progressive sound, abetted by some thunderous drums from
Sledgehammer and with the high octane vocals of Jansson,
all go to make this a great way to get things underway.
The album
continues with LeMar taking up the lead for ‘Bringer of
the Torch’, another power infested track, though not as
full on as the opener, the progressive metal feel still
remains and highlights LeMar’s soulful vocals.
It’s all
change on the vocal front once again as this time
Mattsson shows he can sing as well as play guitar, bass
and keyboards. With ‘Free My Soul’ his has a more
up-tempo rocker that goes for the jugular from the off,
a rampaging mix of swirling keys and a rhythm section to
die for.
After the
last track things slow down a touch with once again
Mattsson on vocals for the haunting symphony that is
‘Heal Me’. A more reflective track that paves the way
to the return to the vocals of Jansson for the mystic
Eastern tones of ‘Uncover The Lie’, a real power metal
mix of gypsy violins and the more contemporary metal
tones. A real mixed bag on this one and the added
keyboards of Mistheria add to the eclectic mix.
We return to
the real progressive metal with the excellent ‘Ashes To
Ashes’, another full assault on the senses with the
added bonus of some superb solos from both Mattsson and
Mistheria.
The album
takes another breather from the heavier side of
progressive metal as it unveils another layer with the
hard rock tones of ‘Make Sure You Don’t Fail’, which
once again feature some fantastic keyboards by
Mistheria.
The more
progressive metal purists will just love ‘Deep Inside’
with its mix of thumping bass and soaring keyboards.
This track has it in abundance and Mattsson’s vocals on
this one reminds me a little of a certain Jorn Lande.
The album
once again introduces an additional twist with the
acoustic ‘Blink of an Eye’, a real rose in this field of
progressive metal. But this is just a short interlude
as things once again gently pick up with ‘Got To Get
Low’, a more subdued track while still retaining the
progressive mindscape of the entire album.
The gentle feel
continues with the album closer ‘Love Conquers All’, a
real slow burner of a track that rounds of a real gem of
an album. |
Tracklisting:
1. Unfold The Future
2. Bringer Of The Torch
3. Free My Soul
4. Heal Me
5. Uncover The Lie
6. Ashes To Ashes
7. Make Sure You Don't Fall
8. Deep Inside
9. Blink Of An Eye
10. Got To Get Low
11. Love Conquers All |
Review from:
www.themayfairmallzine.com |
Band: Book Of Reflections
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When this CD stopped playing I… pushed the “Play” key again, and when it ended, I pushed it again… and again… and again, that’s how good this self-titled CD is.
Refreshing, powerful, masterfully played, entertaining, fun, that’s just some of the labels one could use to describe this album.
Although you really need to be one hell of a metal fan to really say that you ever heard of this guys, this “All-Star” band present us with a fantastic neoclassical power metal (with a touch of prog metal), no nonsense, straight to jugular of a great debut album!
BOR accomplishes an amazing thing: they make a power metal album without ever falling into the clichés of this genre, don’t expect to hear high pitch screams or overproduced songs.
What you can expect is, above all, professionalism, and a great love for what they are doing. Great lyrics, masterful guitar solos and surprisingly, fabulous keyboard solos, accompanied by a not very usual voice for power metal combines into what should became a classic album.
Just listen to songs like “Guardian of Time”, “Only One Truth” or the amazing “Let it Go” and you will see what I mean.
Tracklist:
1. Guardian of Time
2. Child of the Rainbow
3. Tearing Down
4. Only One Truth
5. Phoenix
6. Going Through The Motions
7. Slippin' Away
8. You're Not Alone
9. Book of Illusions
10. Let it Go
11. Blood From a Stone (European exclusive bonus track)
Shadow www.netal-march.com |
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Book Of Reflection - s/t
(10/10) - V/A
- 2004 |
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Genre: Power Metal
Label:
Lion Music
Playing time: 51:30
Band homepage: -
Tracklist:
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Phoenix
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Going Through The Emotions
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Tearing Down
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Slippin' Away
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Only The Truth
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Child Of The Rainbow
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You're Not Alone
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Book Of Reflections
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Let It Go
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Blood From A Stone
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Here we go again with another all star project
of a more underground nature. You will really
have to know your bands and musicians here to
know these guys. BOR features ivory tickler
extraordinaire Vitalij Kuprij (ARTENSION),
guitarist Lars Eric Mattsson, solo artist Hubi
Meisel (EX-DREAMSCAPE) along with other folks
from CONDITION RED, WINTERLONG and SECTION A.
Since this is a release that pretty much came
out of left field, I think a brief history of
this project is needed.
Guitar virtuoso Lars Eric Mattsson was
approached by an Asian company to put something
spectacular. Once all of the special members
were chosen, the CD came to be. Thank God! For
once, the CD doesn't open up with an intro.
“Phoenix“ guns head first right through your
speakers. It's neo-classical Power Metal at its
finest. This isn't overly complicated or highly
majestic. It's up beat and just right. The
guitar solos here are tough as nails while the
drums just pound away. The neo-classical
keyboard work is inserted here as well, but it's
not overkill. Now, there are four singers here
and I am not quite sure who this is, but his
voice is strong, manly and powerful. What an
energetic song we have here.
“Guardian Of Time“ is another explosive tune
with more power chord action and there are even
some string arrangements tossed in here, but
they are very faint and you must listen closely
to hear them. Once again, the guitar strutting
of Lars and Rusty Cooley prove to be a
highpoint. I finally recognize the first voice
on this CD. Hubi Meisel does a killer
performance on “Tearing Down.“ Hubi has an
intriguing set of lung because they are very
distinctive and he sings high, but not quite
like Halford or anyone like that. However, just
as quickly he can go from high to mid range and
add a little grit to them if he wants to. Once
again, the jet propelled guitar solos are a
stand out and this track is just loaded with
power. All of the vocalists on here get to sing
on more than one song on this concept CD.
Everything on here is superb. The production is
a knock out. The musicianship is simply flawless
and the compositions are just right. There is
nothing overkill on here. There is just the
right amounts of technicality, melodies,
catchiness, neo-classical piano and string
arrangements.
This may not be as well known as the Sacha
Paeth/Miro AINA project or AYREON, but this one
deserves to be heard because there will be
absolutely no regrets about it. This is a CD
that everyone can enjoy. Spread the word!
(Online October 25, 2004)
www.metal-observer.com |
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BOOK OF REFLECTIONS
The self-titled {^Book Of Reflections} is highly refined metal
containing
music completely written by prolific
guitarist/keyboardist/bassist {$Lars
Eric Mattson} with lyricist {$Connie Welen} helping out on three
of the
eleven tracks. Recorded between April and December 2003 in
Finland,
Germany, Sweden and USA the music has a clarity that can become
dizzying
for those not obsessed with the genre, the final track, {&"Blood
From A
Stone"}, displaying the same intensity as {&"Going Through The
Motions"},
though "Motions" has some dynamic movements to break up the
head-banging.
This is not your familiar sludge-rock gone speed metal - these
fellows
take it to another artistic level - pristine production you're
more likely
to find on a recording from vintage {$Yes} wrapping up cool
titles like
{&"Guardian Of Time"} in fast-paced progressive rocket riffs.
Methodical
and eerie, the group flirts with {$Iron Maiden} and {$Scorpions}
ideas but
veer off into their own direction. The album is basically
{$Mattson}'s
baby with lead vocals from four different singers - {Andy
Engberg} (of
{$Section A} and formerly of {$Lion's Share} ) , {$Winterlong}'s
{$Mikael
Holm}, ex-{$Dreamscape} {$Hubi Meisel} and {$Torgny Stjärnfelt}
of
{$Condition Red}. The song {&"Book Of Reflections"} jumps right
into the
fray with no warning (or intro passage) and superb guitarwork
that makes
the instrumental a stand out. {&"Slippin' Away"} takes things
down a peg,
showing these players can put the lightning fast onslaught into
slow
motion and still have it work. Imagine a musician whose only
song to study
as an aspiring guitar slinger is {$Black Sabbath}'s
{&"Paranoid"}, then
push the turntable from 45 RPM to 78 RPM, you'll have a good
idea of the
intensity inside what the label calls "high-energy
symphonic/neoclassical power metal". {$Mattson}'s bass
corresponds well
with {$Eddie Sledgehammer}'s drums, but for an "All Star"
project flavors
from another bassist or two could have added another dimension
to the
work. It has, after all, the same rhythm section found on
{$Mattson}'s
2001 re-recording of his 1988 album {^Eternity}. Still, it's a
focused
and solid project ranging from speed metal to melodic crunch
rock,
refining 80's licks and hitting hard.
(C)2004 Joe Viglione for
http://www.allmusic.com
BOOK OF REFLECTIONS
The new all-star project Book Of Reflections from Lion Music,
was put together by Lars Eric Mattsson after
having been approached by an Asian company. The album is
recorded between April and December 2003 in
Finland, Germany, Sweden and USA. All the songs is written by
Lars Eric Mattsson, with some help with the
lyrics from Conny Welen. With four well-known great singers and
some very fine musicians, the idea was to make
a fast and furious, yet very melodic album that would neither be
too complicated nor too simple and on which the
vocal melodies would stand out.
Lars Eric Mattsson is a well-known musician in the Swedish
music scene, with a lot of releases behind him. His
latest project Book Of Reflections is up until today the best
work I`ve heard from songwriter, producer and
guitarplayer Lars Eric Mattsson. With the use of four different
singers, Andy Engberg, Mikael Holm, Hubi
Meisel and Torgny Stjärnfelt, plus help from many great
musicians like keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij and guitarplayer
Rusty Cooley to name a few, he has managed to put together an
all-star-team of musicians. Musically I will call
Book Of Reflections` music for neoclassical Heavy Metal/Power
Metal with small elements from Progressive
Metal. I really have taste for this type of music with
neoclassical elements and specially with releases like this who
is
a proof of that it is not the most complicated who have to be
the best. It is how the things are arranged and performed
and put together who is the most important part. With Book Of
Reflections I think Lars Eric Mattsson has
managed to get in all the right elements to make a great album!
The opening track, Phoenix, is a fast song with a
nice chorus, great guitars and nicely played keyboards. The CD
continues with outstanding tracks like Guardian
Of Time and my personal favorite Tearing Down, who is a great
heavy ballad with beautiful singing, great played
keyboards and guitars. Only The Truth and the Melodic Hard Rock
oriented You`re Not Alone are perfectly
performed and written songs with high quality. Check out Book Of
Reflections immediately and you will be surprised!
http://www.larsericmattsson.com/
http://www.lionmusic.com/
Lead Vocals
Andy Engberg (Section A/ex-Lion’s Share)
Mikael Holm (Winterlong)
Hubi Meisel (ex-Dreamscape)
Torgny Stjärnfelt (Condition Red)
Keyboards - Vitalij Kuprij, Lars Eric Mattsson
Guitars - Rusty Cooley, Lars Eric Mattsson
Drums -Eddie Sledgehammer
Bass - Lars Eric Mattsson
Additional vocals - Torgny Stjärnfelt (Condition Red) and
Mikaela Mattsson
www.melodichardrocktoday.tk
Book of Reflections - Book of Reflections
Stil: Power Metal
Label Kontakt:
www.lionmusic.com
Wow, was für ein Projekt. Book
of Reflections kann sich zurecht die All-Star Band von Lion Music
nennen. Was Allroundtalent und Workaholic Lars Eric Mattsson hier
wieder abliefert, kann man nur als furios bezeichnen. Zusammen mit
einer Menge versierter Musikerkollegen, wie Keyboarder Vitalij
Kuprij oder Gitarrist Rusty Coolex ,hat er ein Werk geschaffen, das
die Gratwanderung zwischen eingängigen, ohrwurmbetonten Sound und
komplexen Songstrukturen perfekt meistert.
Grossartige Kompositionen, die
teilweise an Iron Maiden erinnern, geben sich die Klinke in die Hand
und ziehen sich durch die gesamte CD. Leicht verständlich, aber
nicht einfach, eingängig und trotzdem spektakulär. So kann man die
Musik wohl am besten in Worte fassen. Besonders die Gitarrensoli
kann man nur mit einem Wort beschreiben: Atemberaubend. Was auf
diesem Album alles geboten wird, schaffen manche Bands nicht mal
ansatzweise über mehrere Alben verteilt. Anspieltipps zu nennen
fällt schwer, da die ganze Zeit auf gleichbleibend hohem Niveau
musiziert wird. Das superbe Instrumental "Book of Illusions" oder
das sehr dynamische "Tearing Down" sind ebenso dafür prädestiniert
wie die obligatorische Ballade "Phoenix". Gelungen kann man auch den
Einsatz von vier verschiedenen Sängern (Andy Engberg (Section A /
ex-Lion's Share), Mikael Holm (Winterlong), Hubi Meisel (ex-Dreamscape)
und Torgny Stjärnfelt (Condition Red) ) bezeichnen, die das Album
noch abwechslungsreicher gestalten und ihm noch einen kräftigen
Drive mit geben.
Einziger Wehrmutstropfen ist
das einfallslose, standardisierte Schlagzeug, welches im Vergleich
zum Rest negativ eintönig erscheint. Wäre dieser Punkt nicht, hätte
ich Book of Reflections die seltene Ehre einer Höchstpunktzahl
erteilt. So bleibt es "nur" bei einem fast perfekten Album mit einer
ebenso fast perfekten Punktzahl.
Wertung: 9 von 10
M E N S C H E N F E I N D - Heavy World, Germany
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Review |
by Joe Viglione |
| The
self-titled Book Of Reflections
is highly refined metal containing
music completely written by prolific
guitarist/keyboardist/bassist
Lars Eric Mattson with lyricist
Connie Welen helping out on
three of the eleven tracks. Recorded
between April and December 2003 in
Finland, Germany, Sweden and USA the
music has a clarity that can become
dizzying for those not obsessed with
the genre, the final track, "Blood
From A Stone", displaying the same
intensity as "Going Through The
Motions", though "Motions" has some
dynamic movements to break up the
head-banging. This is not your
familiar sludge-rock gone speed
metal - these fellows take it to
another artistic level - pristine
production you're more likely to
find on a recording from vintage
Yes wrapping up cool titles like
"Guardian Of Time" in fast-paced
progressive rocket riffs. Methodical
and eerie, the group flirts with
Iron Maiden and
Scorpions ideas but veer off
into their own direction. The album
is basically
Mattson's baby with lead vocals
from four different singers - ndy
Engberg (of
Section A and formerly of
Lion's Share ) ,
Winterlong's
Mikael Holm, ex-Dreamscape
Hubi Meisel and
Torgny Stjärnfelt of
Condition Red. The song "Book Of
Reflections" jumps right into the
fray with no warning (or intro
passage) and superb guitarwork that
makes the instrumental a stand out.
"Slippin' Away" takes things down a
peg, showing these players can put
the lightning fast onslaught into
slow motion and still have it work.
Imagine a musician whose only song
to study as an aspiring guitar
slinger is
Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", then
push the turntable from 45 RPM to 78
RPM, you'll have a good idea of the
intensity inside what the label
calls "high-energy
symphonic/neoclassical power metal".
Mattson's bass corresponds well
with
Eddie Sledgehammer's drums, but
for an "All Star" project flavors
from another bassist or two could
have added another dimension to the
work. It has, after all, the same
rhythm section found on
Mattson's 2001 re-recording of
his 1988 album
Eternity. Still, it's a focused
and solid project ranging from speed
metal to melodic crunch rock,
refining 80's licks and hitting
hard.
www.allmusic.com |
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