Record Reviews

KHATSATURJAN ~ ARAMED FORCES OF SIMANTIPAK MUSEA 4464 (Barcode: 3426300044648) ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2006 2nd album by brilliant Finnish Symphonic Prog band KhatsaturjanFind albums by this artist and a masterpiece of the genre. Their 1st album (an EP called Aramsome SumsFind albums with this title, which was never officially released) pointed already in the direction, but this debut full album really hits the nail right on the head. As the band’s name suggests, they are deeply rooted in classical music (especially Russian classical music) and indeed started by playing modernized versions of classical pieces and only later opted to compose original material. The quartet consists of: Jaakko KoikkalainenFind albums by this artist – bass, keyboards, vocals & guitar, Atte KurriFind albums by this artist – guitars, keyboards & vocals, Ilkka PiispalaFind albums by this artist – drums, keyboards & vocals and Ilkka SaarikiviFind albums by this artist – keyboards, cello & vocals. They all have years of musical studies behind them, which is very apparent from the phenomenal performances heard herein. Considering that all four of them play keyboards and sing, the overall effect they are able to achieve is massive and truly symphonic and choral in scope. There are very few other Prog groups that ever (if at all) achieved the same level of compositional sophistication and orchestral execution, but if parallels must be drown, imagine NiceFind albums by this artist being accompanied by QueenFind albums by this artist vocals. This is an amazing piece of music, which should be cherished by every Prog fan on this planet and heard by all music lovers, but alas I’m afraid the reality is sadly different.

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