Paatos: Timeloss

Paatos is a Swedish supergroup made up of members of prog bands Landberk and Agg, plus singer Petronella Nettermalm. This recording has all the characteristics of the Swedish scene; dark imagery, lots of Mellotron, flutes, angular guitar work, and emotional vocals.

Guitarist Reine Fiske and bassist Stefan Dimle, both from the legendary Landberk help create the trademark thunder on "Sensor", and coupled with Petronella's gorgeous voice gives this tune a feel not unlike The Gathering's last few albums. Agg's keyboardist Johan Wallen adds much atmosphere on "Hypnotique" and "Tea", two ethereal pieces featuring flowing Mellotron, piano, flute, and Petronella's dreamy vocals. "Tea" is especially satisfying, with Fiske's guitar trying to cut through the huge beds of Mellotron while Petronella's voice is just floating above it all, much like a modern day Annie Haslam. Her voice takes on a child-like quality on the gentle "They Are Beautiful", a track that really shows the versatility of the band, with lush finger picked acoustic guitar from Fiske, and clarinet courtesy of David Wilczevski. The obligatory epic is saved for last on the 12-minute "Quits", another tune very much in the style of The Gathering. Petronella sings in a more agressive tone here, with lyrics dealing with a bad breakup of a relationship. Huxflux Nettermalm gets his change to shine on drums and percussion, as his nimble fills and solos are all over the place on this tune. In addition to his fine drumming, there is some cool jazzy horns and electric piano as well on "Quits", which may sound strange at first coming from a Swedish band, but it works somehow. I almost thought I was listening to some crazed Miles Davis album from the early 70's.

Timeloss shows an ensemble that managed to create some magic, and while uneven in spots, there is definite potential here. I think that if Paatos can get together for another recording and do some touring, they might be able to put it all together. Time will tell however if they can squeeze that in between committments with Landberk and Agg. Petronella though, is definitely a find.

Added: February 19th 2005
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Paatos Website
Hits: 6129
Language: english

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