Ken's Novel - Domain Of Oblivion (Demo)

Year of Release: 2002
Label: self-released
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 18:26:00

It needed getting used to. Next to names such as Machiavel and Now, the Belgian progressive field was in need of fresh blood. Then suddenly, out of the blue, emerged the detailed, well-balanced sound of Ken's Novel whom I met for the very first time during the Corbigny festival in '98. The band's debut album faired well in the international music media. Both the distinctive voice of singer Patrick Muermans and the mature souund of the band balancing between vintage and neo-prog immediately put the band firmly on the map. Needless to say, it becomes difficult to match the quality of the first concept album, hence this 2-track advance promo in order to see what the reactions of the "specialized" press will be to some of the band's new material.

"Domain Of Oblivion" starts with a slight synthetic salsa feel before the authentic rhythm takes over, followed in its footsteps by the vocals of Patrick. Needless to say this 14:11 long track will take us on a pleasant journey throughout loads of different atmospheres. Both percussion and bass will play a dominant role in pointing the song in the right direction. Instead of having the organ play long meaningless chords, I would let the beast "prog'n' roll" to the fullest, really using all of its possibilities. Halfway through the song there's this small Spanish flavoured section which I would have continue a little longer, adding pure flamenco guitar. By means of a bluesy approach on guitar, piano and bass form the backbone of a jazzy excursion. Great effort on drums, which really should beef up the organ. The song ends with the same "hidden" salsa effect as in the beginning, an element I would enhance further by adding appropriate percussion. All in all a very rich composition containing tons of influences.

The second track, "Mirror Man," is based on a contemporary rhythm, opening doors for Ken's Novel which otherwise would remain firmly shut without becoming too commercial. Based around electric and acoustic guitars, maybe a synth could add a certain melody to get it even more recognizable? These two tracks certainly illustrate how Ken's Novel has evolved from an enthusiastic bunch with a dream to release an album, to a firmly established band with the purpose to become the leading Belgian newcomer in the domain of prog. The second novel by Ken will certainly be a bestseller!

[In Dec 2006, we published a review of the full CD, by Tonny Larsen, which can be read here -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Domain Of Oblivion (14:11) / Mirror Man (3:58)

Musicians:
Patrick Muermans - vocals
Eric Vanderbemden - guitars
Sebastien Mentior - bass
Geoffrey Leontiev - drums

Discography:
The Guide (1999)
Domain Of Oblivion (demo CDR) (2002)
Domain Of Oblivion (2004)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin BE

Added: September 8th 2002
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.kensnovelonline.com
Hits: 2210
Language: english