The Flower Kings
Adam & Eve

In recent years, the "The Flower Kings" have become one of the most controversial bands in the progressive music scene. By 'controversial', I mean that the 'loyalty' of part of the prog community towards the band has been shaken (similar to what I mentioned regarding "Metanoia" by the "Porcupine Tree"); generating a group of fans who continue to follow them and another who have disowned them.

Honestly, I have never understood the reason for this split... in the sense that Roine Stolt & Co. have always created their works based on catchy rock music that winked at the great prog bands of the '70s; however, combining everything with astute doses of fusion, pop, folk, and metal... all seasoned with that exquisitely 'Swedish' touch that distinguishes Nordic bands. Perhaps it's the regularity of the band's productions, or the 'epic' purpose of some of the tracks recorded (who else would have the guts to release so many 20-minute suites or publish an unreleased double-CD these days?!). But I wonder... isn't that what we love in progressive works?! So what's the problem?! Certainly, I can't speak for those who spread these 'fake criticisms', but I certainly know the legions of fans who adore this band and who equally adore this "Adam & Eve" (2004)... a record that follows similar paths compared to its recent predecessors but holds deep surprises intended as 'musical novelties' that will appear to most only after a few continuous listens of the album.

There are fewer 'heavy' moments in this work, fewer jams, less jazz-fusion... but despite this, the symphonic quotient of the album has increased exponentially; and certainly, greater emphasis has been placed on the voices of the two singers. I'm talking about Hasse Froberg, the band's historic singer, and the new entry Daniel Gildenlow: exactly... the mind behind the revolutionary "Pain Of Salvation".

More presence for Roine Stolt's guitar and Tomas Bodin's keyboard; especially the latter is incredibly present as never before... his Mellotron, his Hammond, and his synths are present in every single track of the album. The epic opening "Love Supreme" is a brilliant piece, sweetened with catchy melodies and singable vocals by the renowned Froberg-Gildenlow duo. Notable is the presence of melodic guitars and symphonic keyboards... which will allow the listener to repeat the experience felt when inserting a CD, for example, by "Yes". Waves of Mellotron and acoustic guitars join in a cheerful play in "Babylon"... while in the cold and gloomy "A Vampire's View", it is Gildenlow's voice that forcefully takes the scene, also filled with Mellotron, synths, and some inspired touches of Stolt's guitar.

One can hear something reminiscent of The Flower Kings' beginnings when reaching the jovial and cheerful title-track, where Stolt adds his proverbial vocal and veteran guitarist signature... all to create a whirlwind of fun and a 'cheerful' sound. In "Timelines", we will have a notable performance by Bodin with his Hammond, by Froberg with his beautiful voice, by Jonas Reingold with some excellent bass lines... and the brilliant Roine Stolt who this time will indulge in technically complex evolutions with his magical guitar. Subsequently, here comes another epic 18-minute track... "Driver's Seat", a song that is a tribute to the most beautiful progressive music of the '70s... and that lives on 'furious' keyboards and complex bass rhythms.

Are The Flower Kings the most original band on the planet?! Obviously not, but I don't think they even pretended to be. However, when it comes to consistency, it's hard to find any band that can produce something that claims to surpass the wonderful songs recorded over the years by Stolt's band. With sales continuously rising, with a major record label like Inside Out behind them, and with hordes of fans eagerly awaiting each new work of the band, I am sure that in the next 20 years, The Flower Kings will be mentioned among the most important bands in progressive music.

"Adam & Eve" extends the streak of excellent albums produced by Stolt and company and is highly recommended. Certainly, if you've ignored this band so far... you'll continue to do so even now; but you don't know what you're missing. I hope I won't have to tell you... 'I told you so...'