 |
: : Mirror : :
Blind Ego is the new project from Kalle Wallner, guitarist for the
highly respected group RPWL from Germany. For those of you unfamiliar
with RPWL, they are a very melodic band heavily influenced by Pink
Floyd, The Beatles and others. After listening to Blind Ego, those
influences are apparent but there is so much more in this music. By
simply reading the album credits - John Jowitt (IQ, Arena, Jadis,
Frost), John Mitchell (The Urbane, Arena, Frost), Paul Wrightson
(Arena), Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon) - you just know this album will be
something special. I should also point out that the multi-vocalists on
this record really add to the variety factor. In particular, Mitchell
and Wrightson do a good job. I feel that Mitchell has improved
tremendously as a vocalist.
Wallner’s guitar playing is probably best compared to David Gilmour and
that is what sometimes reminds me of Pink Floyd, however, the album is
not a Floyd carbon copy. The album opens with “Obsession”, perhaps the
heaviest rocker on the cd with a catchy chorus. If you are looking for
ultra fast tempo changes and all out guitar wankery you will not find it
here or anywhere else on this disc. This is a good song to start the cd.
“Moon And Sun” has a distinctive Coldplay feel to it, especially the
chord structure. Wallner really shines in this song similar to the
wonderful slide-like guitar that recalls Division Bell era Floyd.
“Break You” has a slight Kino influence. This should be of no surprise
since John Mitchell sings on this disc. At around the four minute mark
there is some wonderful guitar which reminded me of Meddle era Floyd.
This is a great song and one of the catchiest on the album. “Black
Despair is a deeply emotional song. Wallner states “Probably the saddest
song I’ve ever wrote … If you like to see into my soul you just need to
listen to my guitar playing.” This is a beautiful song with a hint of
Arena shining through. Again, the guitar is prominent with a wonderful
tone. The song is over six minutes of pure prog heaven.
“Hollowed” is a short song and at the beginning has a definite Wall
feel. It is an interesting little song. The title track most reminds me
of Arena, particularly the Immortal album. The Gilmouresque guitar solo
is very good - another winner. The longest song on the album is the ten
minute “Forbidden To Remain” which is also the album’s most complex and
my favourite. It draws from many influences including Arena, Kino, Floyd
and others. I believe Paul Wrightson gives his best vocal performance
here and it has sweet guitar all the way through. Instrumentally, this
is the most progressive song on the album.
So there you have it. If you like RPWL mixed with a dash of Floyd and a
pinch of Arena you will be sure to like this release. This is a mature
and sophisticated album from a seasoned veteran of progressive music. I
cannot recommend this album enough so go out and find it, sit back, put
on the headphones and let the music of Blind Ego take you on a magical
ride.
Rating: 9 (out of ten)
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Mirror
(2007) |
|
