PROJECT CREATION
"Floating
World" (Progrock Records; 2005)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Project Creation was a completely unknown entity to me prior to receiving
it for review. Simply put: Project Creation is headed by Sonic Pulsar guitarist Hugo
Flores. Obviously put: Project Creation serves as Flores’ side-project and as a creative outlet.
“Floating World” is a concept album regarding the beginning of a new life in a floating world to escape the end of a dying planet.
“Floating World” is the first part of an intended sci-fi trilogy. “Floating World”
features epic-sounding songs that aren’t really epic in length. However, the songs really treat the epic subject matter quite well as the
instrumental sections and lyrics support the general concepts of the disc in a cohesive manner.
Given the artwork and images I began to expect keyboard/synthesizer driven progressive rock. Not that I was wrong in my
original impression, I was pleased that guitars are more prominent than I might have thought to be
the case. But, as I’ve come to find out as a result of a little research, Project Creation is not quite as heavy or guitar oriented as Flores’ main
project Sonic Pulsar (a group widely regarded and respected in progressive metal circles). Saxophone and flute provide the kinds of sounds
that evoke what genesis would sound like – as if space dust were collecting to
form planets. Although the sound here evokes something more like the creation of an actual new planet (i.e. like the big bang), the overall
gist of the concept album is pleasing and satisfying.
“Floating World” is an impressive statement in the realm of symphonic progressive metal – having said that it is safe to say
that only dedicated fans of the genre will appreciate “Floating World.” A film,
based on the concept, story, and music of “Floating World” is expected to be produced at some point.
“Floating World” was produced, recorded, and mixed by Hugo Flores. The sound is stellar – the mix is impeccable. Henning
Pauly mastered the disc – “Floating World” is quite the departure for the notoriously playful
musician.
Project Creation: Hugo Flores (guitar, sitar, synthesizers). In recording “Floating World” Flores was joined by a cadre of
Brazilian progressive rock veterans: Tiago Linx (vocals), Alda Reis (vocals), Allen
Vasconcelos (guitar), Carlos Mateus (guitar), Vasco Patricio (guitar), Nuno Silva (bass, cello), Fred Lessing (bass), Carlos Bateras (drums), and
Paulo Chagas (saxophone, flute).
For more information visit http://sonicpulsar.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
11 Nov 2024 11:53:41 -0500.
