Hidden Lands: In Our Nature

Hidden Lands is a progressive rock band from Sweden whose members have reformed after the end of the Violent Silence band. Hannes Ljunghall, is the main composer, lyricist, keyboardist and plays lead guitar. Björn Westén, plays keyboards; Bruno Edling, is the vocalist; Phillip Bastin, plays bass; and Gustav Nyber, handles the drums.

This is exceptionally well played and completely original sounding prog with some of the best keys I have heard this year. The percussion rhythms and drum work keep the pace moving well.

The opening and title track 'In My Nature' provides a great launch for this album and the talents of Westén and Ljunghall's multi - instrumental keyboards. It is only the first impression, with many more excellent highlights left on the album. You can hear echoes of early Genesis, but delivered in a new and original – sounding way. Edling's vocals are solid, but not distinctive enough to set him apart from others in the genre. Nyber's drum work creates its own place of distinction within the tracks. Bastin's bass delivers proud deep rhythms to offset all of the high key notes.

Every track is something to savor, as this is definitely one of the best new prog albums I have heard this year. I enjoy the sound of good keyboards, and these guys make all of the best choices in how they deliver that sound.

'L'ancien Régime' envelopes you in the kind of keyboard wall Tony Banks would be glad to have designed. The piano and synth sounds are simply magic.

'The Road to Halych' keeps reminding me of something off 'Trick of the Tail' matched with a jazz sound that I can't quite place. Great work in bringing those two genres together. 'Incurable' is the master work on the album at over ten minutes. The epic begins with excellent piano and deep bass, followed by launching lead guitar and more room surrounding keys. You will swear you have been here before with Collins era Genesis, but this is new and original. The length of time provided to the keys will warm any Genesis' fans heart.

'Stiletto Runner' is the shortest track and it is an excellent drum showcase for Nyber. The keys are strong, but it is Nyber's drum rhythm and talent that shows up best here. 'The Night Garden' closes things out with wonderful piano and acoustic guitar. Edling's best vocals help add to the expert musicianship being played.

If you love keyboard and synthesizers, like me, you will completely enjoy the new rhythms and melodies that Hidden Lands have put together here. Thankfully this band knows its strengths and uses them well throughout this complicated to play, but easy to enjoy album. With most of the tracks over 6 minutes, you will have plenty of time to enjoy those keys.

Track Listing:
1. In My Nature (8:54)
2. L'ancien Régime (6:12)
3. The Road to Halych (7:43)
4. Incurable (10:52)
5. Stiletto Runner (3:52)
6. The Night Garden (8:24)

Added: March 2nd 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Hidden Lands_Facebook.com
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Language: english

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