Well yes, it seems that progressive groups truly know no boundaries and pop up like mushrooms in every part of the world, even in the most unexpected places. These Artsruni, a group originating from Armenia, promptly confirm what has just been said and will surely make the "purists" of progressive raise an eyebrow, those who are prejudiced against progressive productions that are too "exotic" and limit themselves to listening only to groups made in the UK-USA-Italy. Well, those narrow-minded prog-maniacs would do well to reconsider their convictions because this album is truly beautiful and deserves all the attention possible from all enthusiasts.

The group, formed in 2000, is led by guitarist and singer Vahan Artsruni, assisted by Vahagn Amirkhanyan (guitar), Arman Manukyan (flute), Artur Molitvin (bass), Levon Hakhverdyan (drums), and Lilianna Hakhverdyan (percussion). Their music, almost entirely instrumental (apart from a couple of brief instances with singing in their native language), is at the same time complex but also quite catchy as it is rich in remarkably tasteful melodies that hit the listener with their beauty. The guitars, both electric and acoustic, are the undisputed protagonists of Artsruni's music but often and willingly share their role with a flute played really excellently, alternating with or complementing each other as solo instruments. The combination of acoustic guitars and flute cannot but bring to mind Jethro Tull or Camel, even if the resemblance is never very evident, with a folk component often peeking through.

When the going gets tough, and the electric guitars claim their share of glory, everything becomes even more intriguing. The two guitarists indeed have no fear of overdoing it with nasty distortions and grit, and at times they perform feats worthy of Joe Satriani while remaining in an undeniably progressive context (the flute is always there to remind us) sometimes even sprinkled with ethno-folk influences (listen, for instance, to "Cruzaid part 2" where it seems like Dream Theater is grappling with traditional Armenian melodies). A commendable note also goes to the rhythm section, lively and cohesive, particularly the bassist, truly capable and endowed with remarkable good taste.

In a sea of progressive productions that propose hackneyed and recycled schemes, these Artsruni shine significantly due to the high quality of their compositions and the originality of their style, ultimately a sort of metal-prog (much more prog than metal, don't worry) contaminated by traditional Armenian music (which peeks through in those melodies with a more "exotic" flavor). One of the best releases of 2002, without a doubt. And you, traditionalists of progressive, for once... dare! You won't regret it.

Tracklist

01   Adition (05:49)

02   Barev (04:49)

03   The Lost Symbol (06:09)

04   Cruzaid (Part 1) (06:29)

05   Cruzaid (Part 2) (06:04)

06   Im Ser (06:16)

07   Anush Garun (06:35)

08   Call Of The Wind (05:01)

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