Commissioned Works PT II- Six Drops Of Poison
Apollon, 2023
8/10
Listen to Commissioned Works PT II- Six Drops Of Poison
A collection of pieces that were early ideas for commissioned work by Harald Beharie, the 12 songs here further illustrate the distinct prog-vision from Ring van Möbius across this 3rd creative album.
“The 1st Chapter: Elements” begins the listen with a strategic dreaminess of light keys and swirling guitar amid gentle singing, and “The 2nd Chapter: The Fire” follows with rich key manipulation and a light buzzing that welcomes crashing drums for the furious yet controlled climate.
Elsewhere, “The 5th Chapter: When Man Becomes Wolf” brings some retro-rock flavor and soulful nostalgia to the textured delivery, while “The 6th Chapter: Hex” is shrouded in mystery that builds into an unpredictable and busy album highlight.
Landing near the end, the robust “The 10th Chapter: Paradoxal Fate” touches on ‘80s metal with its thumping rhythm section and biting vocals, and “The 12th Chapter: The Conclusion” booms and twinkles with intimacy and much focus on vocals for the memorable finish.
It’s not hard to imagine King Crimson or E.L.P when listening to Ring van Möbius, and you certainly won’t hear me complain about that, and there’s even colored vinyl versions available of this to satisfy anyone with an ear for throwback prog-rock sounds.
Travels well with: Strange Horizon- Skur 14; Frode Fivel- All You See