Multi-instrumentalist Colin Powell remains as prolific as ever with his A Multitude of One solo project name, as he releases another engaging symphonic/melodic prog concept album, called The Book of Enoch. It follows the Crusades -inspired A Templar’s Tale from earlier in the year, which I recently reviewed in depth.
Colin’s fascination with history, myths, mysticism and mysteries provides some great subject matter for his musical projects and the apocalyptic writings from the Jewish texts that make up the Book of Enoch have allowed him to produce an evocative musical journey through ancient visions, wrapped in the soundscapes of classic and modern prog rock.
Colin says: “The collection of ancient apocryphal texts attributed to Enoch, contain some amazing stories and some very dramatic visions, which I felt could be interpreted in the context of a Progressive Rock concept album. The translations of the original texts are very confusing, repetitive and difficult to follow so I thought it would be best to choose a selection of the most interesting events described there and turn them into separate pieces of music with descriptive titles, lyrics and accompanying narration.”
The result is another immersive progressive rock concept album which honours the spirit of Rick Wakeman’s iconic symphonic prog rock albums of the 70s, whilst adding more contemporary, melodic influences such as the Alan Parsons Project, and the sweeping, storytelling concept albums of various projects from Clive Nolan and others in recent years. Although split into 9 individual tracks of medium-length, the narrative-led album works best as a multi-faceted epic, best enjoyed in one, easily digestible sitting. Colin creates a rich and cinematic soundscape of keyboards and atmospheric electric guitar, which accompany both the informative, spoken narration and Colin’s own soft and melodic vocals and harmonies. Whilst each track has its own musical and lyrical character, there is an underlying signature style that flows through them all effortlessly. While not necessarily different or radical to what Colin has previously created – it is all done rather well, and the glimpse it gives to ancient beliefs is a beguiling and engrossing one.
The album begins with The 10 Weeks Prophecy (Cycles of History) as the narration and lyrics give us a grandiose vision of human history, starting with spiritual awakening, then through betrayal, divine judgement and ultimate redemption. Whilst not part of the accepted Christian biblical texts, the Enochian visions have parallels with the Book of Genesis and the apocalyptical themes of the Book of Revelations. Musically, Colin sets out his stall immediately with lovely piano-led instrumentation, a lush, sweeping wash of keyboards and well-judged, atmospheric guitar lines that accompany the lyrical content – with Colin’s light vocals and harmonies floating above the instrumental flow.
The Watcher’s Descent (Fall of the Angels) tells the fall from grace of the group of angels, who corrupt both humanity and God’s creation and produce forbidden offspring called the Nephilim. There is some sumptuous retro-keyboard sounds and an increase in dynamism before the more melancholic and stately The Lament of the Nephilim (The Giant’s Fate), with yearning, siren-like electric guitar soloing. We are told of the Great Flood of the Bible, but the story focuses more on the cosmic fall of the Nephilim and angelic betrayal rather than the story of Noah’s obedience and survival. The Great Deluge (The Cleansing Flood) has a majestic and dramatic feel, with the keyboards and drums propelling the track, and some saxophone-sounding synths adding a different sonic feel.
The Hidden Stars (Secrets of the Cosmos) and Enoch’s Flight (Visions of the Heaven) take us on a journey with Enoch as he observes the fate of the Watchers and the mystical wonder of God’s realm. The former has a musical urgency and extended melodic guitar accompaniment, whilst the latter has a more serene, piano-led structure, with orchestral and choral touches, and some nice, soaring guitar soloing adding to the majestic flow and contemplative feel later.
Son of Man (The Coming Judgement) builds steadily over some marching drumming and sumptuous synths; Colin’s expressive guitar work really shines impressively through to a refreshingly melodic and upbeat conclusion. The Last Kingdom (After the Judgement) looks at the everlasting kingdom of God after the final judgement and has a triumphant and hopeful ambience highlighted by choral effects, soft piano and soaring guitar. Enoch (The Wanderer Beyond Time) is the longest track and rounds off the album satisfyingly. Colin employs some simple, but effective piano patterns as we are told how Enoch becomes a heavenly figure and powerful angelic scribe, beyond the bounds of mortal life. Wakeman-like keyboards are given free-rein to rise and fall, with the vocals and narration adding a pleasing closure – to this cycle of history at least…. until the next great flood, perhaps?
Available on Bandcamp, with a stunningly informative lyrical booklet with evocative artwork, The Book of Enoch by A Multitude of One is another impressive slab of symphonic and melodic prog from this talented multi-instrumentalist. Darkly atmospheric yet melodically rich, the album features a sweeping mix of traditional prog instrumentation, orchestral flourishes, songs with a range of vocal styles and an engaging narrator. It will transport listeners into the mystical visions of Enoch – a man said to have walked with angels and glimpsed the machinery of the cosmos. A fine album – and It would make one hell of a modern blockbuster film too!
TRACK LISTING
01. The Ten Weeks Prophecy (Cycles of History) (5:20)
02. The Watchers’ Descent (Fall of the Angels) (4:51)
03. The Lament of the Nephilim (The Giants’ Fate) (5:11)
04. The Great Deluge (The Cleansing Flood) (4:22)
05. The Hidden Stars (Secrets of the Cosmos) (5:38)
06. Enoch’s Flight (Vision of the Heavens) (5:14)
07. Son of Man (The Coming Judgement) (4:39)
08. The Last Kingdom (The New World After the Judgement) (5:04)
09. Enoch (The Wanderer Beyond Time) (8:08)
Total Time – 48:27
MUSICIANS
Colin Powell – All Instruments
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 21st June 2025
LINKS
A Multitude Of One – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube
