Mysterious Traveler
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The studio project for the artist Ruud Dielen, as Glorious Wolf the multi-instrumentalist takes influences from ‘70s prog-rock, where both instrumentals and sung tunes are as diverse as they are memorable.
The soaring “Repentance” opens with driving guitars and firm drums that allow for soft ebbs of dreaminess, too, and “Slow Down” follows with no lack of melody, where waves of rich songwriting benefit from the playful bass and strong attention to mood.
In the middle, “Howling At The Moon” brings thick guitars and throbbing bass to the crisp drumming acrobatics, while the title track is particularly intimate, as ambience and mystery enter the soothing delivery.
Close to the end, the meticulous guitars of “Battlefield” and textured, dynamic appeal give the tune a cinematic quality, and “Beautifully Broken (Part 1&2)” hosts some of the best singing, where soulfulness enters amid the beauty and grace.
Other than Kike Paglia on drums and Celia van Onna’s harmony vocals, Dielen handles the entire affair, and similarities to King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Gentle Giant are appropriate and give insight into how great this is.
Travels well with: Nick Fletcher- Quadrivium; AQ&F- 2nd Life