The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1
Karisma, 2024
9/10
Listen to The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1
Legends in the Swedish prog-rock scene since the ‘90s, Ritual return after a long hiatus for this album that tells the unusual story of Mr. Boyd.
“A Hasty Departure” starts the listen with Lovissa Hallstedt’s precise violin before Patrik Lundstrom’s soaring guitar and expressive pipes enter the busy climate, and “The Inn Of The Haunted Owl” follows with Fredrik Lindqvist’s meticulous picking techniques that help allow the track to soar.
Residing at the halfway point is the playful “Mr. Tilly And His Gang”, where Jon Gamble’s firm keys suit the vivid storytelling, while “Through A Rural Landscape” is a calmer, intimate moment that’s lush and cinematic.
Towards the end, the buzzing and dense “Read All About It!” allows for Johan Nordgren’s drumming acrobatics to shine amid much melody, and “The Three Heads Of The Wall” finishes with Lindqvist’s bouzouki resonating much culture and adventurousness.
A triumphant return, this 5th album continues the band’s inimitable version of prog-rock, and it’s just Part 1, so we’ll be expecting more soon.
Travels well with: Yobrepus- A Rhizome Revolution Part 1; The Dredge- Torches