Orion is the amazing musical project of Ben Jones, the multi-instrumentalist hailing from the UK. He released his first solo concept album The End Of Suffering in June 2023. It is an impressive album; it got raving reviews and its success was undeniable. So, I was really looking forward to Ben Jones' second prog rock album. His new album is called The Lightbringers, and it is a remarkable and astonishing album. If you are a Rush fan - like yours truly - then you will definitely enjoy this album very much and listen to it repeatedly. The Lightbringers opens with a wonderful track called The Tumult Of My Heart. The initial electric guitar riffs take me back to some excellent Rush classics, while Ben Jones' vocals are obviously inspired by none other than Geddy Lee. Furthermore, this song has a great chorus and the fantastic driving, pumping bass line - hello Geddy Lee - does the rest. This is a more than excellent opening track which promises a lot for the rest to come! Next is The Ghosts Among Us, featuring heart-breaking lyrics and powerful music, reminding me again of Rush, Dream Theater and it even has some 'obscure' Peter Gabriel vibes. This Sickness is the shortest song of the album and also the heaviest one, featuring lots of grinding metal-like riffs and powerful drums, while the interesting lyrics deal with social media. Follow-up As Best We Can is almost a ballad with acoustic guitars, many orchestrations and keyboards making this the most quiet and atmospheric track of the album. However, then it is time for the absolute highlight being the epic title track, which consists of four parts that clocks in over twenty-eight minutes! This prog rock roller coaster is stunning, and one of the best songs I have heard for an extraordinarily long time indeed. Starting with the instrumental Spark, which is again another song very much influenced by Rush. This track is addictive and grabs you by the throat right from the start as Spark truly rocks like hell! The Scattering Stars opens relaxed with a soft piano melody and very atmospheric, but as the song evolves it gets more rockier and heavier, featuring sparkling guitar riffs and voluptuous bass parts. This epic track returns to the heavy side with part three, which is called The Falling Heavens that contains powerful metal guitar passages, riffs and hooks and pounding bass guitar and drums, making it almost impossible not to bang your head! Part four is called The Lightbringers; it is the titletrack and the longest track on the album, and maybe also the best track. It opens with huge keyboards, then features abundant power metal guitars and excellent passionate vocals, while it ends with hints of choir vocals and beautiful orchestrations. It really ends this amazing album in style! Need I say more? The Lightbringers is a must for Rush fans and prog rock fans, so die or buy and play it loud! I am addicted already; I cannot get enough of this album! ***** Martien Koolen (edited by Peter Willemsen) Note: We interviewed Ben Jones about this album. See interview. Where to buy? |
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