Search - Ten Jinn :: As on a Darkling Plain

Bland, though skilled

Sam Theiner | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 11/09/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I would have to classify this as a generally good effort that shows promise. The main problem is that the whole album has an un-self-conscious campy, melodramatic quality that is downright annoying. The lyrics are self-serious to the point of absurdity, made all the worse by the singer's tendency to pronounce words in a ridiculously exaggerated way (e.g. in the first track "Les Innocents" he incessantly pronounces "passion" as though the last syllable rhymes with "gone") The music is mediocre, not terribly inspired, though well-played. The title suite is not too bad. The last four songs, though, are really bland and drag the album out. 2-3 of them should have been dropped, and this would have been a 3-star effort. Yes, there is some Kansas sound in the music, but the main influence sounds like Jethro Tull, particularly as one song is an actual reel, like something off of the "Heavy Horses" album. Except, of course, this album has none of that Tull irony and wit."

Breathtaking and intense

Lee Mustonen | Helsinki, Finland | 02/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a faschinating album. I can best describe the music as progressive/symphonic rock combined with glimpses of classical music. In its essence, the music of Darkling Plain seems well-performed and reveals good songwriting skills. It is also a beautiful story written in the language of music that deals with classical archetypes inspired by Anne Rice's literature. Listening through the CD - and giving in to the music - kind of gives me the feeling of wandering inside a three-dimensional building - a place with shape, structure and a mystical atmosphere. A place where you have never been before, but it nevertheless feels strangely familiar.
I cannot imagine anyone not being strongly moved by Darkling Plain in one way or the other. The colorful spectrum of intense emotional energy brought out is surely a challenge,
maybe even threatening if not prepared for such intensity. The reward for being daring enough to give in to this intensity is a breathtaking musical experience."

STELLAR!!

Gekritzl | Annapolis, MD | 01/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ignore the "death vocals" in the beginning - it's not indicative of what follows. What follows are angel harmonies, wicked guitar solos, brilliant progressions and riffs, and an absolutely captivating mood. Pure prog all the way, and perfect execution. One of my all-time top CDs along with "The Yes Album" by Yes, "Thick As A Brick" by Tull, "As The World" by Echolyn, "Spilt Milk" by Jellyfish, "Foxtrot" by Genesis, and Zeppelin's first. - Mike





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