HIDDEN LANDS

What we have here is effectively a new Violent Silence album under new moniker Hidden Lands. Remember them prog fans? Okay, maybe not, but considering their last studio album, 'Kinetic', was released back in 2005, it's been a while. Notable for featuring two keyboard players and no guitars, their sound was rather unique with their efficacious use of keys, so much so that the guitar lack was surprisingly not too noticeable for a genre so often characterised by fretboard widdling. Hidden Lands feature four fifths of said band's former lineup, minus drummer Johan Hedman (who is currently finalising a new Violent Silence record, hence a new moniker for the previous members here). It's no great shock then that 'In Our Nature' recaptures a similar vibe to that of Violent Silence's heyday. That's not just explicable by the shared personnel but also keyboardist Hannes Ljunghall, main composer for VS, has written all the music and lyrics for this release too. However, while 'In Our Nature' doesn't attain the compositional strengths of 'Kinetic', it's still a fairly engaging listen throughout. Interestingly, though, while the lack of guitars mattered little on 'Kinetic' through strategically posited and layered keyboard parts, Hidden Lands' debut actually screams out for guitars over certain passages. Ironic then that Ljunghall has been billed with performing guitar on this release too - this is in a very minimalist sense though and his fretboard work only makes a brief appearance. All the songs are likeable enough and hold the attention, but 'In Our Nature' ultimately lacks the vitality that made 'Kinetic' such a special album. I also doubt they'll attract much attention with the album cover which features artwork by Ulla Fries - it's a surreal enough image but far from eye-catching. Despite my criticisms, I do hope Hidden Lands continue to make music and this isn't just a one-off reunion of sorts. They show much promise here and when they get back into full swing then they'll hopefully be able to create a suite of music that rivals the rather fantastic 'Kinetic'.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Progress Records

Album

IN OUR NATURE

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

45:55

RELEASE DATE:

23rd Nov 2012

TRACK LISTING

1) In My Nature
2) L'Ancien Régime
3) The Road to Halych
4) Incurable
5) Stiletto Runner
6) The Night Garden

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"...'In Our Nature' recaptures a similar vibe to that of Violent Silence's heyday."