Arcane Gather Darkness Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Dystopian Fictions')

A lonesome bell rings out and scattered notes increase the feeling of desolation. A flute sound adds to the atmosphere but the first sequence soon makes itself felt. It gathers energy for a few minutes then a second melodic sequence is added over the top. The track grows and grows in classic style. At eleven minutes the first of many blistering lead lines comes to the for. At ten minutes ‘Dystopian Fictions’ calms down but then a melodic sequence and fantastic lead line, both of which could have come from an unreleased track from the Logos concert, smash home with a vengeance. If I close my eyes I can see Johannes Schmoelling bopping up and down behind his keyboard, Edgar looking sternly on.

OK, picking jaw up from the floor we move on to ‘Gather Darkness’. A slow pulse and flutey synth sound like one of the darker moments from TD’s ‘Sorcerer’ album. The pulse starts to quicken and develops into a sequence, then........ Blast! Awesome deep menacing synth stabs descend. A lead line ‘Encore’ style plays over the top but we are only just setting the scene. The tension continues to build as even more dynamic lead lines are introduced and the sequence becomes still more menacing . If you thought the first track was amazing this one could kill you, keep the resuscitation equipment handy . This music is best played loud, just for once think of yourself instead of the neighbours.

‘Encore’ again comes to mind when listening to the atmospherics at the beginning of ‘Flight From Time One’. The way the ghostly piano mingles in with analogue synth pads sends shivers down the spine. When the sequence arrives it is intense, thick and almost evil. A more melodic sequence is layered over the top. A lead line strikes like a laser then the sequence quickens in pace as does my heartbeat as I wonder just how much better it is possible for this album to get. Sounds of faint breathing and an almost heard demonic chant get ‘Requiem’ under way. Crows cry out from on top of church gargoyles. A bass sequence, dripping with menace, rumbles forward intensifying all the time. Keep you local exorcist handy whilst listening to this. At the half way mark the sequence subsides, the atmospherics being left to reap their devastating vengeance. Another sequence, just as menacing as before escapes from the clutches of hell and an almost optimistic lead accompanies it.

This incredible album is brought to an end with ‘Time will run Back’. Again we are treated to a dark introduction full of ‘Encore’ type sounds. I’m in heaven already (looking down on hell) but this beginning and the most devastating sequence on the entire album (yes, it gets even better) takes me to realms never even imagined before.

This album is going to be huge. I can’t stress strongly enough just how good it is. I had the privilege of hearing each track as it was carefully crafted and saw the album slowly take shape. I have heard each track many times and with each play I love every one of them more and more. A landmark release. (DL)

Second Opinion...

Not much room and not much more to add to what Dave has already said. However, I must pay special homage to the opener ‘Dystopian Fictions’. I simply cannot get the melody of this track out of my head. It stays with you all day, infused in the mind, such is the infectious and memorable nature.

It opens is subtle fashion with deft sequencing, pitched relatively high in classic ‘Logos Part 1’ mode while interplaying with smooth melodic touches. It’s in many ways a scene setter for the second phase of the track, akin to the parade lap in a formula 1 grand prix where the driver is trying out the various aspects of his vehicle to ensure that when he does put his foot down things are ready to pounce. Mouth watering riffs and effects come and go fleetingly. The various sequence lines are tried and tested. Yes all is ready, and then it happens. The track briefly takes a rest, then takes off on the most delightful section of melodic intensity. The sequencing is magical, but it’s the infectious themes infused through the whole piece which have me lunging for the repeat button. Close your eyes and you really can see Chris Franke creating the sequences, and Schmoelling crafting one of those subliminally infectious pieces which up to now I thought were his territory alone.