The Samurai of Prog - Secrets of Disguise (2013)

The Samurai of Prog — Secrets of Disguise (2013) is the second studio album by the multinational progressive rock project led by Italian bassist Marco Bernard (who resides in Finland). Released on Musea Records, this expansive double-disc release (with a total running time of over two hours) cemented the band's status as one of the foremost guardians of the classic art rock legacy.

The core of "Secrets of Disguise" consists of masterfully executed cover versions of classic, and sometimes undeservedly forgotten, masterpieces of 1970s progressive rock, interspersed with the band's original compositions. The core of the project is a trio of multi-instrumentalists: Marco Bernard (Rickenbacker bass), Kimmo Pörstie (drums), and Steve Unruh (vocals, guitar, flute, violin). The album's main draw, however, is its impressive lineup of guest stars from both the classic and contemporary prog scene, including members of Yes, The Flower Kings, Änglagård, Glass Hammer, and Camel. The band carefully recreates the spirit of the old school, using vintage keyboards (Mellotron, Hammond organ), but brings fresh accents to the arrangements (especially through Anru's expressive violin).