Originally Posted by yyzmoose
Ars Nova - Biogenesis
Cast - Al-Bandaluz
Can you provide some information on these releases?
Sure. Both bands go in new and exciting directions on these albums. First, Ars Nova:
They are still led by keyboard player Keiko Kumagi, but its no longer an all female trio. The drummer is from the group Gerard, he takes over for Akiko, who does make an appearance on the album but is no longer in the band. A surprising contribution of from Ayreon mastermind, Arjen Lucassen. The use of guitar is a new twist for the keyboard heavy Ars Nova.
This is really a project, as there are musicians from several bands, many classic 70's bands including members of PFM, Goblin and Balletto Di Bronzo.
Here is a listing of musicians:
Keiko Kumagai (Keyboards) "Biocidal Vem / Kei"
Akiko Takahashi (Drums,Voice) "Σ type Humanoid"
Mika (Vocal, Chorus ) "Maria / Mother Earth"
Alex Brunori (Vocal / ex-LEVIATHAN) "2nd Class Pilot of Starship"
Arjen Anthony Lucassen ( Electric Guitars / from AYREON) "Starship ERSNEVIA Ⅳ"
Gianni Leone (Vocal, Synth Solo / from IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO) "Leader of Seventh Existez"
Claudio Simonetti (Synth Solo / from DAEMONIA) "President of World Federal Gov."
Lucio Fabbri (Violin / fromPFM) "Secretary"
Atsushi Hasegawa (Bass / from GERARD) "Soldier A"
Masuhiro Goto (Drums, Percussions, 2nd Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Voice / from GERARD) "Soldier B"
Takeo Shimoda (Drums / from NUOVO IMMIGRATO) "Engineer of Spaceship"
Numero Ueno (Acoustic Guitar, Chorus, Effect) "Doctor"
Robert Allen (Storyteller)
Barbara Allen (Announcement, Computer Voice)
Takehito Kimura (Latin Piano / from TIANANOGUE)
Megumi (Model) "Mother Earth"
Its a somewhat cheesy sci-fi story, but it does not detract much from the music. The opening naration is annoying, I usually skip past the first minute of the disc. What happens next is some very intense symphonic prog mixed with heavy guitar, a much fuller sound than the usual keyboard attack of Ars Nova. Nice use of violin in places. There are some vocals on this, not a first for Ars Nova, the recend live disc and Android Domina contain a couple vocal moments, but overal this is largely instrumental music.
As for Cast, its a much different band this time. Only the keyboardist and vocalist remain, with 3 new members added to invigorate their sound. This time they move more towards symphonic prog, leaving behind mosgty of their neo tendancies. Better production this time out as well. Its a double disc with about 96 minutes of music, little if any filler, including a couple of epics. The vocals are in spanish this time, and sound better because of it. This is simply their finest work, and most original, going in surprising directions. The playing is top notch. If you liked their previous work, this album is a no brainer. If you didn't them much, this should be a pleasant surprise.