Post Description

Studio Album, released in 2008, Russia.

In feite het debuut album uit 2003 van deze Eclectic Progband uit Rusland.

THE GOURISHANKAR (meaning "the mountain as high as Everest") is a unique blend of old and new, music that blurs the line between Modern Prog and Retro Prog-- imagine DREAM THEATER mixed with TAAL and PORCUPINE TREE. They refuse to label themselves as a Prog band but it is obvious they are. Marked with outstanding professionalism, these musicians got together in Russian provincial town Syktyvkar. They already knew each other from activity in related projects, and they still participate in them (from alternative rock to electronics). One of the most promising bands from the Russian scene.

This is a re-release of The Gourishankar´s debut album from 2003. Close Grip has been remastered and an extra song has been added. I´ve listened very little to 2nd Hands which is their second and very praised album, but Close Grip sounds really good.

The music is very eclectic even though I was wondering at first why The Gourishankar was in that catagory. I thought this sounded like progressive metal the first time I listened to the album, but after a couple of spins I have a different view on Close Grip. There is definitely a progressive metal edge to their music and in that respect The Gourishankar reminds me of another eclectic prog rock band and that´s the swedish band A.C.T. I would like to mention two albums that I think The Gourishankar are very influenced by here. Dream Theater´s Images and Words and Hold Your Fire by Rush. The influence from Rush is mostly due to Vlad MJ Whiner´s voice and the vocal melodies while there are many hints to the early melodic Dream Theater.

It´s not easy to describe the style played on Close Grip though because even though I feel The Gourishankar are heavily influenced by both Dream Theater and Rush there are also other styles involved. What about a wailing almost avant garde Sax Solo in Insomnia or a the little jazz section in Wind of night. This is truly and eclectic prog rock album. I think there is coherence though and the experiments never get out of hand. 



Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Gripped by Fear (2:04)
2. Insomnia (7:28)
3. Sweet Earth (8:02)
4. In the Hope (2:17)
5. Wind of night (8:59)
6. Autumn Frost (10:57)
7. Close to Death (3:13)
Bonus Track:
8. For Nobody [Gentle Giant's cover] (4:39)

Total Time: 47:45

Line-up / Musicians

- Vlad MJ Whiner / lead vocals
- Doran Usher / keyboards, programming
- Nomy Agranson / guitars, backing vocals
- Cat Heady / drums, loops