Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review

: : The Players : :
Jonas Reingold Electric & Fretless bass, some keyboards | Goran Edman Vocals
Zoltan Csorsz Drums | Krister Jonzon Electric

: : Guest Players : :
Richard Anderson Keyboard solo Track 1 | Roine Stolt Guitar tracks 7 & 8 | Tomas Bodin Hammond organ tracks 1, 2, & 3 | Hans Bruniusson Percussion track 1 | Helen Melin Percussion tracks 2, 4, 5, & 7 | Sal Dibba Congas & Yembe on tracks 3 & 5 Helge Albin Flute on track 7 Jakob Karlzon Piano & keyboards on tracks 5 & 7 | Ola Heden Piano on track 5 | Inger Ohlen vocals on track 5 | Alex Reingold speech on track 2

: : Wheel of Life : :

“Every single action has its consequence from the greatest conquest to a thought. Every single flutter from the wings of a butterfly causes little whirlwinds that will make the heavens roar in the wheel of life”.

The above paragraph is on the back of this CD and I think it reflects not only the lyrical mood on this CD but also the musical.

Frankly I’m just blown away by this CD. Musically it is totally top shelf. Anyone who has read many of my music reviews will pick up that I feel the rhythm section of ANY band in just about any style of music but most certainly in anything “rock related” is the soul of the band. If the rhythm section is “soulless”, IMO the band will be too.

Karmakanic certainly is not soulless and offers the listener arguably one of the best rhythm sections currently playing and recording music in this day and age. Jonas’s bass playing is the guiding light on Wheel of Life. He has that funky retro sound down so well and he just flows. His ability to play a simple bass guitar as if it was a lead guitar blows me away. Then there is that Zolton character. Mamma mia can that dude play the skins. Smooth at every turn, crisp when needed, never over the top. Put the two of them together and like wow. This is most clear on the wonderful little ditty called “Do U Tango”. An instrumental piece with almost a techno feel with synthesized spoken words, hand claps, and numerous ‘other’ sounds to drive the point home. Both the bass and drums rule but they are perfectly mixed with the other instruments so that it never comes across as a “bass and drum” solo song.

Going back to the opening track, Masterplan Part 1, you can get the feeling just exactly what Jonas and company are trying to put together. A 14 minute song that sets the stage for the rest of the CD. Again the music has a true retro feel while being very topical lyrically. Lines like “What’s the point of wisdom, when heavens gone insane? What’s the point of war in the Creator’s name? What’s the use of hoping when the end is near? What’s the use of fear and hate, existence needs an empty slate to write a new masterplan?”

While on the point of lyrics Mr. Edman’s vocals are powerful and perfect for this CD. No accent of any noticeable amount just clear and crisp demanding to be heard.

This CD is very different from Karmakanic’s first release but that is not a slap at either release. Wheel of Life does have a distinctly different feel to it but not in any sort of uncomfortable way. Better to my ears than their first release.

I can guarantee that lovers of solid rock and roll, of music that has a slight funky jazzy tinged taste, of excellent musicians playing at their absolute best will love this CD. And frankly there is nothing in this CD that reminds you any part of TFK’s or any other band for that matter. Buy it you’ll love! Nothing but great tunes, all 8 songs are simply brilliant.

Rating: 9 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis

: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :

: : Discography : :
Entering The Spectra - 2002
Wheel Of Life - 2004