Shamall The Book Genesis

Shamall is Norbert Krueler who plays synthesisers accompanied by various guitarists with no less than three appearing on the 4 part opus 'New Age Krautrock Symphony'. Krueler pays tribute to his influences on the sleeve and gives a long list of his favourite artists and includes EM stalwarts like Schulze, T. Dream and Kraftwerk as well as assorted prog and Krautrock bands which really more or less defines Shamall's sound. The eponymous opening (Part 1) to the first CD is tranquil, warm and spiritual in tone with rich voices and pads offering a pleasant listening experience. The aforementioned symphony begins with sweeping dramatic chords, cleverly layered orchestral electronics and less convincing rock rhythms.

'Thank You' features vocal effects where Krueler personally thanks all the artists mentioned on the sleeve and is frankly best omitted from the running order as an unwelcome interlude to the set. On the second part of the 'Symphony' the guitars whip up an impressive storm and on the third part sound not unlike a mutant Pink Floyd only again let down, in my view, by the pedestrian drum effects.

Arguably, where the electronics predominate, such as on the early section of 'On Higher Ground', Shamall's music is more satisfying particularly where he deploys some sequencing and lays on the atmosphere in the finest tradition of prog., like on 'Eastern Sunrise'. On the second disc 'Blue Lavender Moon' parts one and two again work well as EM pieces but are less convincing when given a rock setting. However, there are some exceptions like 'Lighting up the Dark' and parts of the extended 'Song for a Dreamer with an Ambient Heart' and 'Ice and Fire' which successfully incorporate more contemporary rhythms into the mix. The final part of the 'New Age Symphony' is a homage to Hendrix featuring layered guitars which bring the set to an exciting, if slightly shambolic close.