Release

Style

A few years ago, a colleague had brought to my attention the musical qualities of the band Isildurs Bane. This Swedish band mainly makes instrumental music, with a tendency towards classical style.  In their early years, some songs contained singing in Swedish, but since 1987, the lyrics and singing were dropped and the band concentrated on variable instrumental and technically advanced musical themes.  This definitely demanded a certain effort from the listener and, after awhile, the necessary respect and appreciation, as well.  In 1997, Mats Johansson came up with the concept of MIND (music investigating new dimensions) and here we are on part four.  Once again, the music completely fulfils this concept.  All the MIND CDs are unique, except for MIND vol. three.  For me, MIND vol. 3 is a total letdown, unless you’re a lover of free jazz.  However, in the framework as a whole, this CD could be totally justified because of the new dimensions that are explored.  J

Once again, on this MIND vol. 4: Pass, there is the use of English language lyrics and singing.  AND HOW! This album can’t be compared to any former Isildurs Bane album.  Actually, they sound like a totally different band, but without having lost any of their inventiveness or virtuosity.  If you let an ordinary ‘pop music lover’ listen to this album, he will, without hesitation, end up asking you if this is the latest Peter Gabriel album.  Yes, you read that correctly.  The singer, Christof Jeppsson, sounds like Peter Gabriel, as well as does the music.  But watch out…there is in no way any plagiarism or imitation.  It’s just that the total atmosphere of this album could’ve originated from Gabriel.  Even the harmonies reminds one of the songs from “So”.  Musically, there’s really more attention given to the instrumentation than on an ordinary Gabriel album (except for the first one, where ‘real’ music was still being played).  After a few listening sessions, the quality of the songs becomes quite evident.  This album has all the ingredients necessary to make Isildurs Bane known to a wider audience.  The songs are solid and keep a perfect balance between melody and technical (read as progressive) inventiveness.  Even the Zappa influences are skilfully processed.  This album is anything but corny.  All the modern influences are used in the right doses so as to satisfy everyone.  Just listen to the songs “Cage” and “Good”, what masterpieces!

The only thing I ask myself is ‘what are they going to do for their next performance?’  I’d love to see the ‘old’ Isildurs Bane because they were already so strong.  The band has definitely grown.  And this metamorphosis is not only surprising, but especially successful as well!  I recommend this CD!

For those who would like to get to know Isildurs Bane better, I recommend the following:

1. Cheval – Volonté de rocher

2. MIND volume 1

3. MIND Vol. 2 – Live

4. MIND Vol. 4: PASS

Musicians

Mariette Hanson: Vocals
Fredrik “Gicken” Johansson: Bass
Mats Johansson: Keyboards
Anna Lönnberg: Vocals
Klas Assarsson: Drums & Percussion
Jonas Christophs: Guitar
Joachim Gustafsson: Violin
Christof Jeppsson: Lead Vocals
Björn J:son Lindh: Flute, Recorder
Kjell Severinsson: Processed Drumloops, Drums
Fredrik Davidsson, Martin Söderlund: Brass
Linnea Olsson: Vocals
Andreas Wetterlund: arrangements
Staffan Karlsson: Reverb
Lars-Erik Björklund: Bass

Halo 1:24
Heal 5:03
Fury 0:46
Cage 5:31
Arch 1:00
Good 3:15
Open 2:17
Eyes 6:38
Self 2:44
Idea 8:32
Talk 1:40
Rage 5:33
Part 2:11
Dark 1:39
Loss 4:00
Ends 4:14