Khatsaturjan - Beast, Machine & Man (2015) FLAC

KHATSATURJAN is a present Finnish Progressive rock band whose name is a tribute to the most famous classical composer of the Soviet Union. The musicians making-up this non-standard band are all talented multi-instrumentists, singing and performing keyboards, on top of their main device (Bass, drums, guitar & cello). Released in 2006 by the Musea label, "Aramed Forces Of Simantipak" is their first official album, following the excellent 2003 self-produced single-CD "Aramsome Sums". This time, this is a rock symphony of 70 minutes, no less ! And this is similar to the best albums of the like that were recorded in the Seventies, as far as fusion between classical music and rock is concerned. Even if its style can evoke that of GENESIS, YES or GENTLE GIANT for the complexity of the vocal parts, this symphony reveals especially an outstanding musical identity, inspiration and arrangements sounding very often just like those of classical music and opera, with rock music-like instrumentation and power. "Disconcerto Grosso" (2010) continues the symphonic approach dear to the now classic KHATSATURJAN sound, featuring big instrumentation and vocal harmonies. New influences were also brought, new ways of musical expression and new surprises. Major works and shorter, lighter pieces go hand in hand on the album as do the various genres we flirt with. Along with OVERHEAD, a band they seem to have a lot in common with, KHATSATURJAN is the leading force behind today's Finnish Progressive rock scene... Not to say worldwide ! Nearly a decade after having taken the world of Progressive rock by surprise with its first opus, KHATSATURJAN doesn't feel like it's time to stop at all. Atte KURRI, Ilkka PIISPALA and Ilkka SAARIKIVI deliver today a third effort named "Beast, Machine And Man" (Musea, 2015). Here are nine worked-out tracks, compensating the lack of surprise with a high dose of melody and inventiveness. Here's once again one of the very best achievements in the genre !