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THE FLOWER KINGS – BANKS OF EDEN (7.5)
Since the 1990s, The Flower Kings  have been leading the way of a “new wave” of progressive rock from Sweden and have flourished across many corners of Europe. In the UK, the band have achieved cult success, in which most listeners have gained awareness of the band through online communities, such as trading live concert recordings. The band's tendency toward epic-length songs may have put off a bigger audience, but if you've been patient enough to discover their richly expansive back catalogue, you’ll know The Flower Kings possess a heart and majesty unmatched by any other band.
The Flower Kings' latest release ‘Banks Of Eden’ has been eagerly awaited by fans due to a five-year hiatus, as chief composer, guitarist and singer Roine Stolt has been otherwise occupied with the likes of Transatlantic and Agents Of Mercy. ‘Banks Of Eden’ sees the return of the classic line-up of The Flower Kings, except the addition of new drummer Felix Lehrmann, who replaces previous talent Zoltan Csörsz. The album starts off with the 25-minute-long ‘Numbers’, in which fans will already be in familiar territory, with such trademark elements as shifting dynamics, returning motifs, glorified harmonies and melodies that melt the soul. Other highlights from the album include ‘For The Love Of Gold’, ‘For Those About To Drown’, and the sublime and heart-wrenching ‘Rising The Imperial’.
‘Banks Of Eden’ differs from the band's previous albums, most notably due to the keyboard sounds having less presence this time around. Tomas Bodin’s elaborate approach to keyboards in the past would have made Vangelis fall to his knees, but Bodin’s style this time is more subtle, giving the band less of their previous symphonic edge but with all their trademark grandeur still intact. The musicianship is one of the most important assets of the band and fans will not be disappointed with this album, especially with Roine Stolt’s mouth-watering blues solos.
‘Banks Of Eden’ shows a return to form from The Flower Kings. The band continue to build on what the likes of Yes and Genesis left behind and the material, as usual, warms your soul to the very core. This is what The Flower Kings do best and holds you through a merry-go-round of emotions throughout the journey. ‘Banks Of Eden’ may not be the best Flower Kings album to date, or an easy introduction for new listeners, but for long-time fans having waited five years for this release, they will certainly not be disappointed.
Reviewed by Glen Lester.
Banks Of Eden is out now on InsideOut.
You’ll like this if… you're already a fan and like major chords in your rock! |
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