Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium

VARIOUS: A taste of Belgium

Release

Style

Belgium rears its ugly head!
We have a European champion amongst the runners, we have a world champion amongst the cyclists, we sell the shiniest diamonds, we have the best beer and the most famous chocolates in the world… but do we also know how to rock?
Two major Belgian rock-sites, Prog-nose and Prog-résiste, joined forces in supporting a project bringing the best of Belgian rock on one album. The result is astonishing.
Opener Panopticum brings very modern progressive rock. Shari Platteeuw has a voice that immediately draws attention and carries the song without any problem. There’s a major role for the synthesizers and though the guitars sound heavy at times the composition is light and very accessible.
Regrets by Madelgaire is very interesting. The song carries a lot of musical history. Early Genesis is very recognisable in this nicely composed song but it never gives the impression of being old-fashioned. Pascal Rocteur sings very high but very accurate. A lot of rhythm changes and no fear of ‘loosing track’ and even playing out of tune in a bit which seems to be the final of the song, but later on the melody is picked up again. Great! I don’t like the abrupt ending though.

Totally different is Niek Shlut by Quantum Fantasy. The instrumental psychedelic space rock song shows a different aspect of the rock that’s being made in Belgium. Very up tempo but with a melody that seems a bit too easy. Guitar and synthesizers fight over the main power in this song but it really gets interesting in the middle of the song when the rhythm disappears all of a sudden and one is left in a beautiful soundscape, governed by a distant flute. Synthesizers and slowly playing base and drums make the atmosphere complete.
The first real highlight is presented by Beyond the Labirynth. Icons is an extremely strong song, built very classically with returning chorus. This is beautiful neo-prog with obvious metal influences which can be heard in the guitar sounds. The bridge in the middle with a few French spoken lines creates a nice atmosphere after which the song is being built up again. I like the short guitar solo towards the end. Very catchy this song!
Ghiribizzi brings a great song which demands a high volume. This is progressive rock with AOR influences. One can hear the guitars as they are being played by Journey, Van Halen and Boston and the sound of the vocals is very particular. Listen to the amazing guitar solo in the middle of the song and join the band in the heaven of rock! The very pounding rhythm keeps you alert during more than seven minutes.
Amanda is unique in this compilation and not only because they are the only band singing in French. Their style is completely different: very theatrical and this element is being enforced by the dramatical power of the French language. If you want a reference it might be best to think of the music The Sparks used to bring. Stubborn, following an own, very unique style and never boring for a single moment. The playful element which could also be heard in the very commercial project Army of Lovers (soprano voices) is very determining for this song.

The absolute highlight as far as I’m concerned is brought by Karma Depth. Second Chance is an extremely strong composition adding an extra dimension to the idea of progressive rock. The music is so full of art, with every instrument in an extreme balance with the others. Hans Berten has a voice with which he must make a lot of singers very jealous. Powerful, very manly and full of passion. This is neo-prog with jazzy elements that at times give you the idea to be listening to lounge music before the rhythm starts to pound and the melody seems to suck you into the speakers. The song is full of changes and it’s amazing how you are aware of every single instrument throughout the songs. Seldom have I heard the guitar being played with so much passion! Also the way the piano imposes itself during a gentle guitar solo towards the end of the song shows great musical feeling. This song really blows you away.
The most difficult composition comes from Globalys, a band that seems to be specialized in creating musical labyrinths. It takes some time to grasp this song, at times combining the geniality of Rick Wakeman and very old glory Exception. This music is full of surprises and rhythm changes as well as melodic contradictions. Synthesizers and guitars play a major role in this song that must be the product of a musical genius’ mind.
Project coordinator Geert Fieuw has certainly succeeded in giving a representative overview of Belgian progressive rock potential.
And yes, we can rock!
 

1. 1) Panopticum - Say No More - 06:02
   2) Madelgaire - Regrets - 09:19
   3) Quantum Fantay - Niek Shlut - 07:36
   4) Beyond The Labyrinth - Icons - 06:54
   5) Ghiribizzi - Don't Fear The Unknown - 07:04
   6) AmAndA - Demain - 06:36
   7) Karma Depth - Second Chance - 10:52
   8) Globalys - Eagle, Eggs & Bacon/Premix 2006 - 10:47

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Last updated: 28 augustus 2006 .
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