Album Review
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4.5
Stars
Veil
Drifting Sun
751
#
International
Drifting Sun's latest offering, "Veil," is a masterclass in neo-prog excellence that has effortlessly captivated me from the first note to the last. As a long-time observer and supporter of the band, I had high expectations coming into this album, especially following their previous work, "Forsaken Innocence," which was a standout for me in 2021 and awarded a top spot in Prog Radio’s 2021 Best Of list. I'm delighted to report that "Veil" not only meets these expectations but in many ways, surpasses them. This eighth studio album presents a cohesive, 47-minute journey through eight tracks that showcase the band's versatility and prowess.
The album kicks off with an ambiance-setting intro that seamlessly blends into the subsequent tracks, each contributing to a story that's both expansive and intimately detailed. The musicianship on display is, as always with Drifting Sun, of the highest caliber. Pat Sanders, the constant thread through the band's evolving lineup, delivers enchanting keyboard melodies that serve as the backbone of the album's sound. But "Veil" is far from a one-man show; each member contributes significantly to the tapestry of sound. John 'Jargon' Kosmidis' vocals are both powerful and emotive, while Ralph Cardall's work on guitars adds a layer of richness that complements the keyboard-led melodies perfectly.
"Veil" presents Drifting Sun as a unit that's more cohesive and focused than ever. The album flows seamlessly from start to finish. With this album, Drifting Sun has not only met my high expectations but has also solidified their reputation as a band capable of producing consistently high-quality music.
The album's standout song, "The Thing," is an eight-minute track that showcases the band's ability to blend complex arrangements, captivating melodies, and emotive storytelling. This track, in particular, feels like a microcosm of the album as a whole, featuring shifting dynamics, intricate solos, and a compelling narrative flow.
Despite the band's history of lineup changes and a significant hiatus, "Veil" presents Drifting Sun as a unit that's more cohesive and focused than ever. The album flows seamlessly from start to finish. With this album, Drifting Sun has not only met my high expectations but has also solidified their reputation as a band capable of producing consistently high-quality music. There isn't a weak track on this album, and it's clear that "Veil" will be a strong contender for my top albums of 2024. It's albums like these that reaffirm my love for progressive rock!
We’ve been playing the three singles here at Prog Radio and are thrilled to now add more tracks from this excellent album into our New Music rotation. The Thing will be featured in today’s "Prog Corner Playlist" with Scot Lade, and look for the album to be prominently featured in both Monday’s and Tuesday’s “What’s New Proggy Cats?” broadcast.
4.5 Stars!