Peru is not generally cited as a provider of progressive music but, 'Gabriel Iwasaki', who has just received his diploma in music composition, is a Peruvian and, listening to 'The Journey Continues', the style is closer to rock or hard-rock formations with symphonic and progressive components. After a short instrumental introduction 'The Journey Continues' (in reference to his debut album 'The Journey of Life') that could be found in symphonic metal abums, 'Into Darkness' is an energetic composition where keyboards cohabit with guitar riffs and melodic lines are catchy, then, 'Out from the Light' and 'I Want You' continue in this register. But the sequel takes us to other horizons with firstly the instrumental 'Giza' which mix different influences and shows the talent of this young Peruvian in a multi-cultural title and the end of the album makes us travel in much quieter compositions that immediately capture the audience with 'Former Life', 'Afraid to Stat Again', 'A Place In My Heart' or the magnificent 'From Father to Son', the last title 'The Fake Reflection, Pt 1' returning to a progressive style that can sum up beautifully the whole. Note the covers in Spanish of 'I Want You' ('Te Quiero Aqui') and 'From Father to Son' ('De Padro a Hijo'), the Spanish language bringing, for my part, more strength. In summary, 'Gabriel Iwasaki', very discreet on the web, is a composer of great talent who released a very promising album that should appeal to those who like to mix hard-rock progressive powerful but also more classical symphonic rock... | |
