(Symphonic Prog / Progressive Rock) Anders Helmerson - Triple Ripple - 2010, APE (image+.cue), lossless

Born in Sweden, ANDERS HELMERSON started out studying classical music in Demark and Sweden. He became interested in Progressive music, and dabbled in some recording while in Stockholm. After school he spent three years on his debut. The result was 1981's "The End of Illusion." It failed to take off, so he did. Canada was his next stop, but success was still elusive. Disheartened, in 1987 he returned to Sweden and entered medical school. During this time, there was new interest in "The End of Illusion." It was on its way to cult status, so Helmerson cut a re-release deal with Musea in 1995. Still, he did not return to music. While serving as a ship's doctor, he discovered Rio de Janeiro. This is where he finally found a home. It also inspired renewed interest in music. He signed with Brazilian prog label Som Interior, and released "Fields of Inertia" in 2002.
There are guest musicians, but keyboard is King with this artist. The classic influences are there, but he also blends a bit of techno. Imagine Wakeman meets Kraftwerk.

When it comes to releases, Ander Helmerson could hardly be accused of swamping the market. Having released his debut album "End of illusion" in 1981, just one other set ("Fields of inertia" from 2002) comes between that album and this 2010 release.
Although nominally an album of 5 tracks, Helmerson insists that this is in fact a single piece running to 53 minutes. He took several years creating the album, initially in the composition phase, then in putting a band together that he felt included the best musicians available to him. By this time, the nomadic Helmerson was based in London, UK so this album was mixed in the Abbey Road studios. Interestingly, there are no guitars at all on the album;, keyboards, bass and drums completing the line up. I am not sure why this site shows a vocal credit to Adrian Thurston, there are no obvious vocals here.
For convenience, we should consider the album via the five tracks, while bearing in mind that they each form 20 per cent of the whole. The opening "Touchdown" sets the album off with considerable vitality, complex time signatures supporting a diverse range of keyboards sounds. As with "End of illusion", I would compare Anders' keyboards style with that of Patrick Moraz, both being strongly influenced by jazz/fusion while remaining committed to rock tenets.
According to Anders, the title track/section is three songs merged into one. There is an ELP flavour to this track, the frantic drumming being in the Carl Palmer style and the horn like synths being of the type favoured by Emerson. "Yoda's dance" maintains the enthusiastic tempo, with chorale synths adding a further dimension to the sound. The brief "Helix of Eternity" forms a link section into the closing "The Search of F", a 14? minute piece.
While "Triple ripple" is clearly composed to symphonic standards, it will probably appeal mostly to those with a leaning towards fusion. The music maintains a relentless pace throughout, the changing time signatures simply marking new passages, not tempos. To this end, the album is for me rather lacking in moods. The dexterity and talent of Helmerson and his fellow musicians is undeniable though, and the album is highly enjoyable.

Marco Minnemann-drums
Bryan Beller-bass
Anders Helmerson-synthesisers
Adrian Thurston-voice