Band: The Flower Kings
Release: Desolation Rose
Release Date: Out Now!
They say you cannot teach old dogs new tricks. But there is nothing in the blueprint that states that the old dogs can’t polish off the skills they have already mastered and concoct a cocktail of imagery that is refreshing to the mind.
These hounds hailing from Sweden are progressive rock masters, The Flower Kings. Returning last year after a five year hiatus with album ‘Banks Of Eden’ the Scandinavian sextet swiftly returned to the studio to record what is now their twelfth album, ‘Desolation Rose’.
With bands such as Periphery and TesseracT leading the way in transforming prog with the rise of djent metal, it was imperative that the symphonic progsters returned quickly, not only to not seem indispensable but to knock back the pups attempting to put them down before they’re ready to go.
It is a dog eat dog mindset from the beginning as ‘Desolation Rose’ sets proceedings with a close on fourteen minute prog odyssey, Tower One is an example of a cohesive yet fluent combination of ideas that holds more twists and turns than a year’s worth of EastEnders storylines.
‘Sleeping Bones’ provides an element of darkness, with the keyboard adding another dimension to an already engrossing track. ‘Desolation Road’ takes a different approach with a light piano leading into an expansive epic song that breathes life into Hasse Fröberg’s vocals giving them licence to roam and soar.
‘White Tuxedos’ demonstrates the art of storytelling through song, transporting you to the secret lair of a James Bond villain, the disturbing vocals and moody atmosphere creating a sense of imminent disaster only for 007 to stealthily creep up and save the day with a sublime guitar solo.
There could be an argument that suggests that The Flower Kings do use a lot of the same sounds throughout this album, but to criticize them for this would be doing them a disservice as each song individually takes you to on a journey to a different planet.
‘Silent Masses’ is the most radio friendly whilst ‘Dark Fascist Skies’ is a more menacing affair, with terrific fret work. By the time closer ‘Silent Graveyards’ rolls around complete with gang vocals you are literally exhausted.
At times ‘Desolation Rose’ is a majestic example of modern prog. Not afraid to try something different but still comfortable enough in their own skin not to pretend they’re something they’re not there is an elegance to music crafted. There is still life in the old dog yet.
8/10
Reviewer: Antoine Omisore
