ARABS IN ASPIC – The Magic of Sin (Remixed and Remastered 2023)

The sixth LP by the magnificent and eclectic prog rockers Arabs in Aspic originally came out in 2017 and contained lyrics and song titles in Norwegian, but this reworked, remixed, and remastered version of Syndenes Magi has undergone quite the change and now features words in English, hence the title having been altered to The Magic of Sin. Now, this is what I call exciting. Its original counterpart was a near-flawless exploration of all things progressive, psychedelic, and musically adventurous, and I am grateful to be able to categorically state that The Magic of Sin is just as, eh, well, magical as the source material, and the wonderful thing is that it adds new colors and textures to it. Although the singing in their native tongue undoubtedly had a little more charm and charisma to it, these rw-worked renditions in English work surprisingly well and sound just as convincing and straight from the heart as one could have wished for. The lively feel and organic vibe of the material are the stuff that 70s-inspired rock dreams are made of, and the remixing has resulted in an even heavier and crunchier sound than anticipated but one which boasts clarity and balance with respect to every single instrument. If you already own Syndenes Magi then do not be a tit and make the mistake of thinking that The Magic of Sin is neither essential nor revelatory. You need this inventive and atmospheric masterpiece.