| |
Back in the sixties and early seventies the idea of doing
solo projects was shunned or viewed as a sign of the end for
the band you were in. Today solo projects have become almost
the norm. Solo projects have become yet another creative outlet
for creative people. So it is with the new release under the
name Jupiter Society entitled First Contact//Last Warning.
Spearheaded by Carl Westholm (keyboards), perhaps best known
as one-half of the band Carptree, he has gathered together
Jonas Kallsback (drums), Stefan Fanden (bass), Mats Leven
(vocals, drums), Nils Erikson (vocals, programming), Oivin
Tronstad (vocals), Leif Edling (bass), Cia Backman (female
vocals) and Ulf Edelonn (guitars) to produce a stirring symphonic
masterpiece. An impressive cast representing such bands as
Candlemass, Krux, Therion and others.***
The hour long disc, First Contact//Last Warning consists
of eight tracks, all of which tend to be on the longish side.
All but two are seven minutes or more with the longest being
eleven and half minutes. Stylistically the music created by
Jupiter Society has much in common with Carptree; it is grand
in scope, majestic, panoramic, large scale symphonic progressive
rock. As might be expected, melody plays a significant role
in these compositions. WhereJupiter Society is different is
that here the music tends to be slightly heavier in tone.
Not as heavy as say Therion but certainly just as complex.
The arrangements are lush and full of dynamics. And while
the guitar is there, it doesn’t stand out anywhere near as
much as the plethora of keyboards do. Structurally these compositions,
being longer provide for ample sonic variety. There are many
moody, soft and delicate almost ambient sections that contrast
beautifully with the more grand and bombastic sections. This
is the kind of music, driven as it is with the melody that
sends shivers up my spine and makes the hair on my arms stand
up! It is brilliant. Vocally, again there are times where
I hear Carptree, but with each of the players taking a turn
at the microphone there is a lot more vocal variety. This
being a sci-fi concept each vocalist plays a part propelling
the story along. Needless to say there are many opportunities
for massed choirs creating these huge operatic-like sections.***
If you are a Carptree fan but looking for something perhaps
a little more complex and involved and maybe a little heavier,
look no further because Jupiter Society is going to fit the
bill nicely. Conversely if you are a Therion fan but looking
for something just a little lighter with slightly more accessible
melodies this will be just the ticket for you. First Contact//Last
Warning is a masterful achievement that will also appeal to
fans of Ayreon. The music here is packed with nuance and it’s
the kind of disc I can keep going back to over and over again
and each time hear something new. Jupiter Society is easily
one of my favorites for the year.
|
