(Progressive Metal) [CD] Hubi Meisel - Kailash - 2006, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Over 2 years in the making, German vocalist Hubi Meisel follows up his highly acclaimed CD from 2003, "EmOcean" with another spectacular concept CD called "Kailash". While "EmOcean"'s story took place in the Sargasso Sea, the setting for "Kailash" moves further east to the Himalaya mountain range. The CD derives it's title from Mt. Kailash which according to Hindu and Buddhist religions has long been regarded as the holiest place in the world. To try to attempt to explain the whole story and concept of "Kailash" in great detail would probably exceed the scope of this review so I'll provide a brief overview just so you have a rough idea of what the story is about. The story basically deals with one man's journey across the Himalayas to Mt. Kailash where upon reaching the summit, an important secret is revealed to him. I won't give away the rest of the story line or what happens but I would strongly suggest that if you want more info, to go directly to Hubi's website where all the information behind the concept of Kailash has been greatly detailed by the man himself.

Once again Hubi has surrounded himself with a perennial all-star band to bring his latest musical vision to fruition. The concept and lyrics may be Meisel's but the contributions of his close friend and musical collaborator, keyboardist Vivien Lalu, who wrote all the music and co-arranged with Hubi, cannot be overlooked. Lalu's fantastic keyboard passages and arrangements are the perfect match for Meisel's vocals and lyrics, it's almost like they work on a purely intuitive level in their approach to the music and lyrics. The rest of this stellar lineup is rounded out by guitarist Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged), drummer Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) along with new additions, the great Johan Niemann on bass (Therion) and additional guitarist Jorge Salan (Mango de Oz). The guitar duties are almost evenly split on the CD's 10 main tracks (Joop Wolters once again plays all guitars on the bonus tracks) between Coenen and Salan and they both do an excellent job throughout, in fact Salan's addition is a real coup for Meisel as his playing adds a whole other flavor to the songs on which he appears, not to mention this guy can shred with the best of them. What more can you say about the brilliant rhythm section of Niemann and Flores, if you've never heard some of the releases they've both played on together, you are missing out big time. In addition to backing Hubi, they continue to supply the bottom end for other projects such as Mind's Eye and Tears Of Anger.

"Kailash" is truly epic in musical scope, but never feels bloated or pretentious due to the absolutely stellar ensemble playing and dynamic interplay throughout. On some tracks Lalu's keyboard lines are doubled in unison by Coenen and Salan's guitars to perfection that my jaw eventually got tired of draging on the floor in awe at the astonishing level of musicianship that these guys possess. A prime example of what Salan brings to the table with his playing can be heard on the magnificent 10 and half minute, and center piece of the CD, "Wheel Of Life". It's only fitting then that I left the best for last and that would be the performance of Hubi himself. Meisel turns in the vocal performance of a lifetime, singing every note with the utmost of conviction, feeling and emotion as only he can and in his own unique style. There is not one ounce of fat or filler on "Kailash" and the production and sound is also top notch, something Hubi took care of entirely on his own once more as he mixed and produced the whole thing in his own studio.

"Kailash" is truly worth the wait and Meisel has definitely taken his music to a whole new level and raised the bar dramatically for his next effort. However for now, get yourself a copy of this disc as soon as possible and immerse yourself headlong into the work of an extremely gifted and dedicated artist. I never imagined dishing out a 5 star rating, but trust me it's truly warranted.

Hubi J. Meisel - vocals
Vivien Lalu - keyboards
Marcel Coenen - guitars on 1-3, 5, 8 & 9
Jorge Salán - guitars on 3, 4, 6, 7 & 10
Johan Niemann - bass
Daniel Flores - drums
******
Joop Wolters - guitars on 11 & 12