Lost Horizon
A Flame To The Ground Beneath

THE REVIEW

Several years have passed since the second and unfortunately, so far, the last work of Lost Horizon. It was 2003, and the Swedish band released "A Flame To The Ground Beneath," which would be followed by a rather troubled period that continues to this day, with the band entering a phase of stagnation due to a series of line-up changes, including the departure of the excellent singer Daniel Heiman. And it’s a real shame, especially considering the absolute value of this small musical gem.

An album excellently played and meticulously detailed, starting with the lyrics, introspective and very evocative, perfectly integrated with the music. The result is an album capable of creating dreamy and melancholic atmospheres (thanks also to the keyboards, often ethereal and never invasive) but permeated by an underlying positivity conveyed precisely by the lyrics. Musically, do not expect a stereotypical classic power album: you will not find the typical song structure with catchy refrains repeated endlessly, but complex tracks with progressive influences on which the voice stands out, absolutely impeccable and perfectly suited to the songs.

Highlighting the best episodes in this case is almost impossible, both for the quality of all the compositions and the limited number of them: only six out of a total of nine tracks (the remaining three are an intro, an outro, and a short instrumental with just the keyboard), which increases the regrets for the (for now) interrupted career of Lost Horizon and simultaneously makes the value of "A Flame To The Ground Beneath" even more appreciated. Personally, I was immediately struck, especially by their almost spiritual lyrics, "Pure", "Lost In The Depths Of Me" and "Think Not Forever" but the other tracks also shine with a crystalline quality. A final mention must go to the nicknames the Swedish guys chose in their adventure, nicknames that rival those of Arcturus for imagination and flair: Ethereal Magnanimus, Transcendental Protagonist, Perspicacious Protector, Cosmic Antagonist, Preternatural Transmogryfier, resounding names behind which are hidden musicians of great talent, as shown by a careful listening to this album.

In short, we are faced with an excellent album, perhaps not immediate due to its complexity but which once assimilated and considered in its objective value, will make each subsequent listening a dreamy and relaxing journey towards a distant Lost Horizon that probably, as these songs suggest, is closer than we think, in the deep abysses within us. This time, the closing belongs directly to them:

“No Fate. Only The Power Of Will”

1. Transdimentional Revelation
2. Pure
3. Lost In The Depths Of Me
4. Again Will The Fire Burn
5. The Song Of Earth
6. Cry Of A Restless Soul
7. Think Not Forever
8. Highlander The One
9. Deliverance