Meisel, Hubi - EmOcean


Year of Release: 2004
Label: Lion Music
Catalog Number: LMC 085
Format: CD
Total Time: 71:19:00

Hubi Meisel was influenced by the great classical composers, even before he was born, as his mother played lots of Mozart during her pregnancy. At the age of 12, Meisel tasted some Accept, AC/DC and Maiden, and that stuck. So after having played in several bands, he started at the end of 2001 to write the story and music for his second solo album. The first one was a tribute to the 80s and now he wanted something completely different. So, he started to base this story totally upon his dreams, dreams and visions of an enchanting underwater world. After having done some serious studying on Greek mythology, Atlantis and related subjects, he started to write the story. After meeting a soulmate, French keyboardplayer Vivien Lalu (Shandrane), they started out to compose the music. The line up was completed with Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged) on guitar, Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) on drums and Bamby (real name Jean B. Affon?o, Absolute) on bass.

The result is stunning! Divided into three parts, the story unfolds and you are taken down to the depths of the ocean, to witness beautiful music, which is in the vein of Vanden Plas, but with less metal. The music is very melodious and Meisel is a great singer, with a beautiful voice, a perfect blend of Andy Kuntz (Vanden Plas) and Rob Laarhoven (Casual Silence). For guitarist, Marcel Coenen is an excellent choice, as this versatile player fills the music with great riffs, stunning solos and even subtle play. Despite the fact the album is divided into three parts, this is an album you have to listen to as a whole, then you will appreciate its beauty the most. Drummer Daniel Flores provides not only the solid foundation, but also adds some double bass power, like in "Sapienta Vitae." The ethereal synths of Lalu give the sound depth and warmth and match Meisel's vocals perfectly. The whole atmosphere of the album is rich and lush and if you close your eyes, you could picture yourself in Atlantis. The didig pack comes with two bonus tracks; "Crystal Moon" and "Tears Of An Enchanted Sea," two fantastic songs that fit perfectly with the rest of the album, as they too breathe that same enchanting atomsphere.

Excellent concept album, strong compositions and a collection of great musicians, which make EmOcean a pleasure to listen to. You can really dream away with the beautiful melodies on this album and the magical voice of Meisel. The production is crystal clear and the artwork is also nice, so what more do you want? Maybe headphones, to enjoy even more all the richness of this great album?

[This review originally appeared May 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Part 1 - Lost In The Waters Of Sargasso / Poseidon's Trident / Nocturnal Breeze / Dolphin's Wake / Part 2 - Underwater Tears / Fanta Sea / The Souls Of Atlantis / Sapientia Vitae / Aeure Dreams / Part 3 - Aqua Phoenix / Aero Nautical / EmOcean / Bonus Tracks - Crystal Moon / Tears Of An Enchanted Sea

Musicians:
Hubi Meisel - Vocals
Vivien Lalu - Keyboards
Marcel Coenen - Guitars
Daniel Flores - Drums

Discography:
Triple X - Dreamdancer (1996)
Dreamscape - Trance-like State
Dreamscape - Very (1999)
Scenes - A New Beginning (1999)
Scenes - Understatement (1999)
Maeve Of Connacht - Imaginary Tales (2001)
Cut (2002)
EmOcean (2004)
Kailash (2006)

Genre: Progressive Metal

Origin DE

Added: December 18th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.hubimeisel.com
Hits: 1846
Language: english

  

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