As TPA’s unofficial Samurai of Prog reviewer over the last several years, what has struck me most is the consistency from one album to the next. Especially because the main songwriters and instrumentalists are all “guest” musicians. Guest in the sense of not being core members of the band (that would be bassist Marco Bernard, drummer Kimmo Pörsti and violinist/vocalist Steve Unruh), even though they are a stable of internationally known prog musicians who contribute to TSoP projects on an ongoing basis. That would explain the readily identifiable sound that the band has conjured up since 2009. What it doesn’t explain is how those musicians have managed to one-up each other in what might possibly be the best TSoP album to date, The Seven Voyages Of Sinbad.
In what is shaping up to be a banner year for progressive music (at least it is for me), Sinbad takes everything spectacular about progressive rock, past and present, and buffs it up into something greater than the sum of its parts. Pörsti’s mixing abilities have always been above average, and this new album is no exception. The sound is simply beautiful: rich deep bass notes, clear midrange and angelic high frequencies. The album almost feels like a friendly competition in which everyone gives just a little bit more, with songcraft at the centre of it all.
Keyboardist Beppe Crovella launches the album with Guided By The Moon. Doubled lead instruments, such as guitar and organ, set us off on the journey. The rousing music captures the thrill of adventure. Numerous changes in musical moods invite sounds such as sax and violin to create new colours, while Steve Unruh’s vocals are dynamic and expressive. Valley Of Diamonds relies on spacey synths to create a sound atypical for TSoP albums. Composer Stefano Vicarelli hearkens back to the keys/bass/drums sound of Triumvirat, particularly with respect to the use of clavinet, piano, organ and Moog in different sections of this instrumental piece. The Samurais often do instrumentals, but of late they have been largely solo piano pieces. Here, the trio format allows Pörsti, Vicarelli and Bernard to each take the spotlight, with Bernard showcasing his bass chops toward the end of the song. On Mark The Stars, regular contributor Octavio Stampalia eases in with a subdued introduction before Steph Honde’s raw, slightly accented vocals add yet another dimension. Pörsti’s and Bernard’s chugging rhythm moves the song forward as a disembodied voice adds mystery and ethereality which augments the otherwise earth-bound music.
End Of The Day begins a string of 9 and 10 minute mini epics. Flower King Roine Stolt lends his considerable guitar skills to yet another dramatic tune. Genesis’ One For The Vine comes to mind, but the song is no slavish recreation. Pörsti’s off-kilter drumming challenges the other musicians to go where they otherwise might not, and the challenge is met heartily. Michael Trew’s vocals are superb, and Stolt’s guitar tone is not what you might expect. Alessandro Di Benedetti keeps the arrangement uncluttered and clean enough for every instrumentalist to be clearly heard. Rafael Pacha is the mastermind behind Trapped By Old Age, possibly the album’s highlight. An orchestral introduction accompanied by martial drumming opens on to a landscape populated by Pacha’s numerous talents as he demonstrates his proficiency on everything from guitar to viola da gamba to flute and zither. The music touches on Eastern, African and European classical traditions for a delicious stew of influences. Trew’s vocals are airier than usual, complementing the complexity of the music. An explosion of keyboards opens The Isle Of Wonder. There is no doubt this is keysman Mimmo Ferri’s showcase, but Pörsti never lets him forget whose show he’s performing in as the drums assert themselves at every turn but never overwhelm. The song takes a dark turn with guttural synths and treated vocals making for a menacing sound. The acoustic guitar and synth flutes that underline the vocal section are a welcome respite, but not for long. The ever-shifting moods more than justify the song’s length and add new facets to the listening experience.
Bass and drums carry the listener on to The Last Shore before Unruh’s violin joins the fray. Unruh’s vocals meet the moment as the music turns from heavy to majestic. Giovanni Mazotti’s flute vies with the violin for supremacy throughout the song, enriching the album’s sound even further. Keys and guitar stand in reserve as bass and drums command the front ranks. When Toni Jokinen finally lets loose with an electric guitar solo, he does so with all the conviction he can muster. The album concludes with keyboardist Chris Engels’ Sinbad The Sailor. Massimo Sposaro’s acoustic guitar is a short palate cleanser before Jokinen’s electric takes over, filling the spaces like water through a pile of stones. Pörsti and Bernard ably prove why they are the lynchpins of The Samurai of Prog.
The continuity from track to track and musician to musician on The Seven Voyages Of Sinbad is astounding. If not for the different vocalists, you might assume the personnel to be the same throughout. As producers, Pörsti and Bernard know how to coax their sundry bandmates into paying homage to their vision. As a result, The Samurai of Prog continue to maintain a high standard, and The Seven Voyages Of Sinbad sits atop the pile.
TRACK LISTING
01. Guided by The Moon (7:08)
02. The Valley Of Diamonds (6:15)
03. Mark The Stars (5:55)
04. End Of The Day (9:01)
05. Trapped By Old Age (10:27)
06. The Isle Of Wonder (10:26)
07. The Last Shore (10:16)
08. Sinbad The Sailor (6:31)
Total Time – 65:59
MUSICIANS
Marco Bernard – Shuker Basses
Kimmo Pörsti – Drums and Percussion
~ With:
Beatrice Birardi – Darbuka
Beppe Crovella – Keyboards
Alessandro Di Benedetti – Keyboards
Chris Engels – Keyboards, Vocals
Daniel Fäldt – Vocals
Mimmo Ferri – Keyboards, 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Marco Grieco – Keyboards, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Steph Honde – Vocals
Giovanni Mazzotti – Flute
Rafael Pacha – Keyboards, Guitars, Percussion, Sazs, Rehtiz, Viola da Gamba, Zither, Flutes, Voice
Risto Salmi – Saxophone
Massimo Sposaro – Acoustic Guitar
Octavio Stampalia – Keyboards
Roine Stolt – Electric Guitar
Michael Trew – Vocals
Steve Unruh – Violin, Vocals
Stefano Vicarelli – Keyboards
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Seacrest Oy
Country of Origin: Finland/International
Date of Release: 12th June 2026
