Flower Kings, The - The Rainmaker

Year of Release: 2001
Label: InsideOut
Catalog Number: IOMCD085 SPV 085-41672 CD
Format: CD
Total Time: 77:05:00

The Flower Kings are positioning themselves to be one of the most significant and popular groups with The Rainmaker, their latest release on the flourishing Inside Out America label. I was very impressed with their previous release Space Revolver, but this one is definitely kicked up a few notches in every aspect.

"Last Minute On Earth" is the opener. It's a magnificent opus cranking out over eleven minutes of philosophic (futuristic?) progressive rock tainted with a hint of cynicism. Mesmerizing keyboards invite Hasse Froberg's voice into the fold, and from that point forward he takes the reins and never lets go. His voice seems to continually evolve and mature along with the group's sound as the album progresses. He makes a stand as the lead vocalist by answering the call of the music every step of the way. This factor will have an enormous effect on what you will hear with each album the group records in the future. "Sword Of God" is an authoritative rocker. Froberg's vocals reminded me of Ian Gillian's vocal style with Deep Purple at the height of their success in the seventies. Roine Stolt's guitar takes total control and they instantly become electrifying, rockin' melodic classic rockers with a sound that emanates from their forefathers Yes, ELP, and Pink Floyd. While listening to "World Without Heart" and "Road To Sanctuary" it made me realize how much they were influenced by groups like Pink Floyd and Marillion. Those particular groups always maintained their hard rock progressive edge while combining insightful lyrics with strong melodies. "City Of Angels" is a classic rendering of prog-rock with a glistening polished pop sound around the edges. It's a distinctly radio friendly hit that may make it to many play lists quickly. The production, sound and clarity is outstanding on this disc, making their recorded output that much more prolific.

With their versatility and across-the-board talent, the Flower Kings will surely remain atop the heap as one the reigning kings of progressive rock. Their reach has spread far and wide outside of their homeland borders of Sweden. They are currently on tour letting everyone know just how essential and astonishing their music is.

You don't have to be a prog head to enjoy this music, if you love great rock and roll you need to hear this CD. Yes indeed, they are serious dreamers...

Also released by InsideOut Music America (IOMACD 2027)

Tracklisting:
Last Minute On Earth (11:40) / World Without A Heart (4:29) / Road To Sanctuary (13:50) / The Rainmaker (6:02) / City Of Angels (12:04) / Elaine (4:55) / Thru The Walls (4:31) / Sword Of God (6:00) / Blessing Of A Smile (3:12) / Red Alert (1:10) / Serious Dreamers (8:59)

Musicians:
Roine Stolt - vocals, guitars
Tomas Bodin - keyboards
Jonas Reingold - bass
Jaime Salazar - drums
Hasse Fröberg - vocals, guitar
Ulf Wallander - soprano sax

Discography:
Roine Stolt - The Flower King (1994/2001/2004)
Back In The World Of Adventures (1995)
Retropolis (1996)
Stardust We Are (1997/2000)
Scanning The Greenhouse (comp) (1998)
Edition Limitée Quebec (1998) (only 700 copies!)
Flower Power (1999)
TFK fanclub disc (2000) (free CD exclusive to fanclub members only)
Alive On Planet Earth (2000)
Space Revolver (2000)
Space Revolver Special Edition (2CD set) (2000)
The Rainmaker (2001)
The Rainmaker - Special Edition (2001)
Unfold The Future (2002)
Live In New York: Official Bootleg (2002)
Fan Club CD 2002 (2002)
Fan Club CD 2004 (2004)
Adam & Eve (2004)
BetchaWannaDanceStoopid (2004)
Harvest (fan club CD) (2005)
Paradox Hotel (2006)
The Road Back Home (2007)
The Sum Of No Evil (2007)
The Sum Of No Evil (Special Edition) (2007)
Banks Of Eden (2012)
Roine Stolt's The Flower King - Manifesto Of An Alchemist (2018)
Waiting For Miracles (2019)

Meet The Flower Kings - Live Recording (DVD) (2003)
Instant Delivery (DVD) (2006)
Instant Delivery - Limited Edition (2CD/2DVD) (2006)

Genre: Symphonic Prog

Origin SE

Added: September 24th 2001
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck

Artist website: www.roinestolt.com
Hits: 2718
Language: english