A simply quite superb progressive/heavy/melodic concept album masterminded by Jan Willem Ketelaers and Sander Heerings.
Jan Willem was involved with the marvellous Magoria JTR1888 masterpiece (review here). Now he’s at it again with Destination Eternity – a concept album about the journey of a soul to its final destination.
Whereas Magoria is a full blown prog epic, with Into the Open sees JW at it again with this project. Although this time it’s a more “rockier” style.
So well done, so well presented and considering it deals with a difficult, emotional concept, the album remains upbeat and “feel good” throughout.
It’s an instantly accessible on first spin listen yet the more one listens the more the listener picks up on the first rate song writing, arrangements and musicianship as the album flows from start to finish.
All the required elements are here – prog, rock, symphonic, keys, clean, crisp chords, shredtacular solos and sweeping vocals. Stunning stuff from first note to last as the music takes you on that journey in to eternity.
Have a listen to Birth – it follows a short instrumental opener and sets the scene nicely. Some ethereal keys give way to a crisp rocker with a huge hook. What do you think?
Back to the Days another cut with a monster hook and melody progged up a bit like a heavier Magnum. Nostalgia and Purpose build on things nicely leading in to the album centrepiece of Judgement Day.
A near ten minute prog/rock epic at which the proverbial kitchen sink is thrown without it becoming clichéd or overblown. Stupendous.
Ride the Wind changes style in to a sort of “power ballad” featuring excellent clear vocals from Maria Catharina and a jaw-dropping solo from Marcel Coenen.
When the Crowd is Gone is another up-tempo affair with those big hooks and melodies.
The closer, Half Song, is slower (understandable given it’s the “final destination” for the soul in the concept) and delivered with necessary emotion yet doesn’t dampen affairs.
With their Into the Open project, Jan Willem, Sander have put together a top-notch set of musicians and composed an outstanding album of first rate prog with a rockier edge to it. I can’t think of enough good things to say about Destination Eternity.
Do check it out for yourself. Web site is: https://www.intotheopen.nl/
Get yourself over there NOW!
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