ARABS IN ASPIC – Pictures in a Dream (2023 Remix and Remaster)

This remixed, re-edited, and remastered 2023 edition of the otherworldly and all-enveloping Pictures in a Dream by the Trondheim-based prog rockers Arabs in Aspic is a proper musical treat and treasure trove. If you want warm and fuzzy guitars, 70s-flavored riffs worth dying for, and vocals that speak to the mind and heart, you have come to the right place. With plenty of spine-tingling moments such as ‘Let Us Pray‘, ‘Difference in Time‘, ‘Lifeguard@sharkbay‘, and ‘Felix‘ not to mention something akin to a metaphysical and mythological vibe that prominently courses through its ten organic compositions, there is a lot to digest and love here, and the elaborate and semi-psychedelic sound of the album makes for a varied sonic experience. In fact, the remixing and remastering have added many new layers and textures to the source material, and this highly creative endeavor is just the thing if embarking on a journey full of majestic peaks, dramatic highs, and bloody good riffs is what you crave – regardless of whether you are into prog, early stoner rock, or proto-heavy metal. In short, the fourth album by these talented gents has been given a well-deserved facelift, so add Pictures in a Dream to your list of LPs to check out. I seriously hope these guys live forever. What a band!