BEARDFISH – The Void
- Posted on 04-10-2012
It’s great when a band willingly expands their influence palate without sacrificing the qualities that make their style so great. Sweden’s Beardfish has been one of my favorite progressive rock bands over the past decade- there’s just something soothing about their grooves and knack for constructing dynamically engaging and appealing arrangements. The seventh album "The Void" takes a heavier stance- exploring some of their metal nuances with electric distortion driven guitar passages in songs like "Voluntary Slavery" and "This Matter of Mine".
Do not fret longtime Beardfish maniacs- the exploratory interplay between keyboardist Rikard Sjoblom, guitarist David Zackrinsson, bassist Robert Hansen and drummer Magnus Ostgren remains intact. Take in the wonder of "Seventeen Again"- the fluid lead key work recalling the grace of Tony Banks with the fun aspect of Steve Walsh as the trio around Rikard dances their own seductive progressive segments in such a way that excites, enthralls, and keeps you guessing. "Ludvig &Sverker" explores older Steely Dan with Rush moments- Magnus comfortable switching things up between tougher time signatures and straighter, conventional beats while David shines with his classic picking skills.
It’s like I close my eyes and feel like I’m witnessing all the greatness of older progressive rock- punctuated with better production quality and this synthesis of talent that can seriously jam off of a riff and know when to come back to a melodic moment- be it vocally or musically- at just the right time. Knowing the band are gaining popularity through their touring in Europe and North America, "The Void" should increase the appreciation and may help Beardfish breakthrough to legions of metalheads also.
Keep up the excellent work gentlemen. Proof that quality musicianship can win over more than the schooled, technically minded instrumentalists of the world.