1. Closer To My Soul / Closer To Heaven
2. The Sagarmatha Dilemma
3. The Red Mountain
4. Thin Air
5. Even If I Was Wrong
6. Radio Sherpa
7. I’m Coming Down (I Shall Go Back)
Year: 2008
Label: Ozeta Production
What an album, what a music! Stephen Desbiens (known from Red Sand)
offers a portion of exquisite prog rock of best quality. Everything has
its place here, everything is well thought-out, there is no space for
unnecessary sounds or pauses. The album entitled “The Sagarmatha
Dilemma” is beyond doubt one of the most interesting prog rock CDs
released this year. Wide variety of solutions used in compositions and
a large number of sounds attract your attention from the very first
moment you play this music to the very last ones. Even if I mention that
Stuart Nicholson (Galahad) made a guest appearance on the title track
and Derek Sherinian (ex Dream Theater) plays the keyboard on
instrumental “Radio Sherpa” this will not be enough to give you a real
taste of power and atmosphere permeating this album. Sound of acoustic
guitars is an important element of “The Sagarmatha Dilemma”, their lines
are just fantastic and let me mention just those included on “Radio
Sherpa”. There are no weak moments here. Each track has an atmosphere of
its own, each stands as a complete composition at all points. It
doesn’t matter whether it’s more expressive “The Sagarmatha Dilemma”
including delicate vocals by Stuart Nicholson set against Stephan’s
voice that is rock in style or it’s a semi ballad like “Even If I Was
Wrong”. The choir of “Even If I Was Wrong” is sung in double voice and
it stays in your memory for long and in spite of the fact that its
atmosphere is balladic, some heavy guitar lines are put to the
forefront. Last minutes of this track include acoustic sounds that make
you think of Latin American music. On reflection, if you removed the
second part of this composition we would have a great radio hit. Another
prospective hit is the closing track “I’m Coming Down (I Shall Go
Back)”. This song has an interesting melody and a catchy choir. As the
minutes go by you can hear some jazz elements, some oriental themes on
keyboard constituting the background and there is also a moment that is
quite psychedelic in style. Those who love twisted structures and play
with sounds will be delighted to listen to“Radio Sherpa”. The longest
track on the album „The Red Mountain” requires a longer comment. Here an
atmospheric beginning featuring piano sounds promises solid prog rock.
Vocals sometimes reminiscent of John Bon Jovi, splendid acoustic guitar
work sending chills down my spine and lines on violin interwoven into
the structure of this composition make that this song is an excellent
piece.
I’m afraid that it will be difficult to find „The Sagarmatha Dilemma” in
shops in our country, but if you by any chance spot it somewhere don’t
spare a minute, just buy it – satisfaction guaranteed. To my mind this
is one of the most interesting albums I’ve had a chance to listen to
this year, there is nice atmosphere, rock expression, so in other words –
you can’t get bored with this music.
9,5/10
Piotr Michalski
translation: Gosia Michalska
