Wiberg, Per: All Is Well In The Land Of The Living But For The Rest of Us…Lights Out

Ex-Opeth keys man Per Wiberg is releasing his second solo outing, this time an EP consisting of 4 tracks. Wiberg has been busy since parting ways with Opeth, having played with Death Organ, Spiritual Beggars, and Candlemass to name a few. The album’s title is cleverly used as it breaks up into the 4 tracks that make up the EP. In addition, Wiberg plays all instruments except for the drums.

“All Is Well� opens with a dark and sinister atmosphere, a sparse arrangement that builds the tension as it segues into “In The Land Of The Living� which immediately shifts gears and provides the EP with its most rocking tune. From the opening strummed guitar lines, to the atmospheric background effects, driving distorted bass and guitars, everything here conjures the spirits of Porcupine Tree. Regardless of the similarities, this track rocks hard with a lot of intensity. “But For The Rest Of Us…� belongs in a horror movie soundtrack, an eerie piano with swirling textures, distant sound effects and haunting layered vocalizations will have you turning on the lights as it reaches its conclusion. Unfortunately, the closing “Lights Out� never gets out of its own way, plodding along for six plus minutes begging for a change of pace, something to break the monotony.

One of the most difficult accomplishments for an artist is to find their own voice. Many have struggled with trying to shake off comparisons (we all know more than a few), and yet others find success while mining familiar territory whether intentional or not. Listening to these four dark and atmospheric tracks, the takeaway is Wiberg absorbed a lot of influence from his former bandmates affiliation with one Steven Wilson, or more accurately, the sound of Porcupine Tree. Widberg is adept at creating wonderful atmospheres and music; he just needs to put his own stamp on it.

Track Listing
1) All Is Well (4:20)
2) In The Land Of The Living (7:27)
3) But For The Rest of Us…(5:57)
4) Lights Out (6:20)

Added: May 19th 2021
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
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Language: english

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