Strange but true: Swiss symphonic prog band Flame Dream returns after a hiatus of no less than 38 years with their seventh album. The new album is entitled Silent Transition and the band is back in its original line-up, along with guest musician Alex Hutchings, a British jazz/fusion/rock guitarist known for his (live) collaboration with Steven Wilson.
I thought Switzerland was mainly known for mountains, chocolate, cheese, banking secrecy and cuckoo clocks. Well, nothing could be further from the truth as we have the hard rockers Krokus, symphonic proggers Clepsydra and then there’s Flame Dream. Founded in 1977 and disbanded in 1986, however during those nine years they released six albums and made quite an impression in that short period – unfortunately not on me as I didn’t even know of their existence. But almost four decades after their last album, 8 on 6 there is all suddenly new material in the form of Silent Transition. How these four aging proggers, all quite old by now, came to write, record and release these new songs is not entirely clear, so let the music speak for itself.
Following an atmospheric opening the heavy drums in the intro of No Comfort Zone remind me strongly of Peter Gabriel’s No Self Control. After which a simple melody unfolds with the characteristic voice of Peter Wolf, positioned somewhere in between Max Werner (Kayak) and Dave Cousins (Strawbs). One certainly has to get used to said voice, although it never really becomes distracting. Beautiful atmospheric synthesizer sounds and unisono playing between guitar and organ, leading back to the heavy drums from the beginning, three songs for the price of one?
Silent Transition is the title track of the new album and at twelve minutes duration, one of the longer songs. Enter Alex Hutchings’ guitar with a heavy rock riff, alternating with Roland Ruckstuhl’s excellent keyboard playing. Wolf sings the lovely theme in his now characteristic style, while Hutchings sprinkles the whole thing with some acoustic guitar sounds. With bossa nova sounds, it gets increasingly strange, Hutchings’ guitar playing, akin to Allan Holdsworth with many glissandos, makes up for a lot. Wolf’s flute and Ruckstuhl’s lonely piano sounds end this intriguing song.
Velvet Clouds initially sounds like a relatively simple melody, driven by Urs Hochuli’s bass, but that changes with the contributions of organ/synthesizer and both acoustic and electric guitars, and it’s at these moments when Flame Dream is at its best – wonderful old-fashioned symphonic prog of the highest order. Procol Harum-like sounds feature in Out from the Sky, especially due to the instrumentation and the slow pace. The ballad is probably the most vocally dominated song on the new album with the sliding tones of the bass guitar provide a suitable background. A long intro with chimes, timpani and humming Gregorian singing, light-footed drums by Furrer and that nice fat guitar sound by Hutchings, supported by Ruckstuhl’s melodic keyboard playing and the walking bass of Hochuli. This is followed by the instrumental Signal on the Shores and sees Flame Dream in optima forma. This could/should have been developed a bit further in my opinion, but still seven minutes of pure enjoyment.
Winding Paths is the fifteen-minute, dark final piece from Silent Transition. Plenty of room for lyrics and vocals by Wolf, the previously mentioned comparison with Max Werner/Kayak presents itself again. The classical sounding electric guitar tones of Alex Hutchings are this time around related to another Dutch icon, Jan Akkerman, but also evoke thoughts of Yngwie Malmsteen. The ominous atmosphere is further enhanced by the lyrics and IQ-like organ sounds. Fusion combined with 80s synth pop – quite a special combination. The song ends with classical film music and an ex(or im)plosion.
If there is one thing that was an excellent decision for this particular release, it’s the inclusion of a guitarist. The voice of singer Peter Wolf is perhaps not quite strong enough to be the driving force for Flame Dream’s protracted songs, however the addition of the English guitarist is right on the dot. The band lays a solid foundation for both Hutchings and Ruckstuhl to excel, because let’s not forget the tasteful keyboard playing of the latter. Wolf apparently knows his limitations because the vocal parts on Silent Transition are relatively limited. It’s largely an instrumental album with some vocals here and there.
I must honestly admit that I’m not familiar with the existing oeuvre of the band, but this format seems to fit the qualities of Flame Dream best. Lyrically the songs are about the passing of time, loneliness in the digital age, global polarization, the loss of biodiversity and the fact that we currently live in a very tense and vulnerable world. Heavy themes that fit the music; at times melancholic, dark, but always melodic.
Six songs varying in length from six to fifteen minutes and a total running time of over an hour. That’s what’s on offer on Silent Transition, the new studio album by Flame Dream – a good album by the Swiss with some British input. Moments of pure symphonic hosanna from the guitars, keyboards and rhythm section, and my main criticism is the less convincing vocals. If these guys have any plans for a follow-up (why not?) then I would certainly advise to hold on to the guitarist…
TRACK LISTING
01. No Comfort Zone (11:27)
02. Silent Transition (12:28)
03. Velvet Clouds (10:30)
04. Out from the Sky (6:26)
05. Signal on the Shores (7:02)
06. Winding Paths (14:56)
Total Time – 62:49
MUSICIANS
Peter “Pit” Furrer – Drums, Percussion
Urs Hochuli – Bass
Roland Ruckstuhl – Piano, Organ, Keyboards, Percussion
Peter Wolf – Vocals, Flute, Saxophones
~ With:
Alex Hutchings – Nylon, 12-String & Electric Guitars
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: eVe-Records
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Date of Release: 20th May 2024
DISCOGRAPHY
– Silent Transition (2024)
– 8 on 6 (1986)
– Travaganza (1983)
– Supervision (1982)
– Out in the Dark (1981)
– Elements (1980)
– Calatea (1979)
LINKS
Flame Dream – Website | Facebook (Group)
