Persona Grata "Reaching Places High Above"

Country: Slovakia
Sub Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal
Label: self-released
Release date: August 1, 2013
Tracklist: 
1. Ace 7:03
2. Edge of Insanity 12:17
3. Istanbul 2:55
4. Orient Express 9:31
5. Venice 1:04
6. I Am You 14:10

Line-up: 
Adam Kuruc - keyboards
Martin Huba - solo guitar
Martin Stavrovsky - vocals, rhythm guitar
Jan Steno - drums
Timo Stries - bass
   With
Jana Vargova - flute

Description/Reviews: 

 The opener, Ace, begins with some ambient sound effects from what seems to be an airport or transit station, then drops some bass heavy notes before kicking into the first of many memorable riffs. Right away Stavrosky’s vocals come in, and man is this guy smooth. He has the range, of that there is no doubt, but he keeps it in check in favor of what is an album long demonstration of control, never once does he outstretch himself or do the music wrong, he is settled right alongside it. Musically, after the brief vocal introductory period, they seem to scatter all over the place in a brilliantly organized fashion, something that seems to be a trademark of theirs. Much of this song is very reminiscent of Kansas, if they really let loose and let their proggy hair down. The ensuing song, Edge of Insanity, opens on a melodically aching note, and then pushes it further with the addition of Vargova’s beautiful work on the flute. Of course this brings up tones of Jethro Tull, but that might be the flute bringing that up. Then, if we weren’t in a happy enough place, Vargova adds her lovely voice to the mix and gets us all mellow and happy. Then the band, in a very subtle and underhanded way, gets dark and disturbing, and they bury into that side for a while. The song is about transition, and they use these two sides to express this. Amidst this balancing act between the two spiritual sides is a wealth of brilliant instrumental work, with the keys of Kuruk and Huba’s guitars leading the way.

Read the full review by Lonestar at ladyobscure.com

Media/Samples 
Progstreaming

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