Stormbringer Webzine

Progressive Rock Reviews

The Book Of The Dead
ARS NOVA



Ars Nova are :
Keiko Kumagai : Keyboards
Akiko Takahashi : Drums

Guest :
Ken Ishita : Bass

The tracks are :
1. Prologue : RE (1:35)
2. ANKH (5:11)
3. Interlude 1 : NUT (*) (1:11)
4. THE 42 GODS (5:15)
5. Interlude 2 : ANUBIS (0:40)
6. HELD OF IARU (10:43)
7. Interlude 3 : SEKHEM (*) (1:03)
8. THE JUDGEMENT OF OSIRIS (7:41)
9. Interlude 4 : NEPHTHYS (*) (0:33)
10. ANI'S HEART AND MAAT'S FEATHER (9:20)
11. Epilogue : HAPI (1:01)

(*) : Special bonus tracks available only on the Musea Version.

If any band were following in the footsteps of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, I would have to say that the Japanese band Ars Nova were definitely the nearest. I am afraid that I have not heard any of the previous albums and my conclusion is drawn from their latest album 'The Book Of The Dead'.

Saying that, Ars Nova have not copied any of ELP's work, they have just got very close to their sound, which is mixed in with their own style, which becomes more apparent to the latter stages of this album.

'The Book Of The Dead' features 11 tracks lasting just over 44 mins.
As you would expect from a band following in the footsteps of ELP, much of the music on 'The Book Of The Dead' shows a high degree of classical influence, but besides that Ars Nova have also incorporated other influences such as Japanese and Middle Eastern.

To be honest, after listening to this album several times, it would be very difficult to pick out any one track in particular, as each track stands out on it's own merit and the album works better as a whole.

But I can tell you that the musicianship is quite simply outstanding. The keyboards at times are just breathtaking, taking you through so much emotion that at the end of the album, you just feel stunned, needing a few minutes to dwell on it and take it all in.

The drum and percussion work is equally impressive, as is the bass work from guest musician Ken Ishita.

'The Book of The Dead' is an outstanding instrumental album and I personally would recommend it to all lovers of progressive rock music and especially to lovers of keyboard orientated rock albums such as ELP, Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz.
Highly Recommended!!!

'The Book Of The Dead'(FGBG 4255 AR) is released by Musea.
68 La Tinchotte, 57645 Retonfey, France.
Website : http://www.id-net.fr/musea
Ars Nova Website : http://www.progconcepts.com/arsnova/index.html

 

 

Android Domina

ARS NOVA

 

Musicians:
Keiko Kumagai - Hammond Organ, synthesizers and programming
Mika Nakajima - Voices, synthesizers, piano and organs
Akiko Takahashi - Drums and percussion

Guest musicians:
Ken Ishita (ex-Deja Vu - Bass on track 3
Noboru Nakajima (from Triton) - Bass on track 6
Numero Ueno - Voice on track 4
Reina - Voice on track 4

Track Listing: Android Domina (10.57) - part 1: Transformer, part 2: Desire, part 3: Hypnosis, part 4: Instinct, part 5: Resurrection; All Hallows Eve (7.54); Horla Rising (9.26); Mother (Special Musea bonus track) (7.54); Succubus (5.34); Bizzaro Ballo In Maschera (9.24).

Dressed in a minimum of clothing with lace and leather, two of the girls in the Japanese band Ars Nova are posing on the cover to their 2001 album "Android Domina". Is this really the cover of a progressive rock album?

If I hadn't knew the answer I would've guessed that this album originated from a 80's heavy metal band á la Madam X. The album then opens with a moaning woman and you wonder whether Ars Nova have turned into a sexual out-studied band or not.

But then the music starts and takes you on an almost hour-long journey together with Ars Nova's energetic, complex and musically challenging instrumental keyboard dominated music.

They often have been compared to early Emerson Lake & Palmer. The comparison is understandable, but there's also reminiscences with band such as Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso, Goblin, Univers Zero and Rick Wakeman. I would
say though that Ars Nova have find their own expression, and even if their sound is reminiscent to these old prog rock heroes, they have a innovative, exploring and adventurous mind. In other words, at least on this album, it
doesn't sound as if they are trying to copy anyone.

Ars Nova's music isn't that easy to get into, but if you take the time and really listen I promise you that it's worth it.

Record Label: Musea Records
Catalogue #: FGBG 4347.AR

Contact & Info:
Musea: www.musearecords.com
Ars Nova: www.progconcepts.com/arsnova/index.html
Ars Nova Email: hiro@nac.net

Reviewer: Greger Rönnqvist
greger.ronnqvist@infodata.sema.se