When I read that this album had been created by six Dutch musicians who met whilst playing the fantasy card game 'Magic The Gathering' and that the concept was based on an essay by their guitarist with the statement "I feel, so I exist" it was with some apprehension that I pressed 'play' on the CD system. Any such misgivings were soon put aside and as The Aurora Project slide effortlessly into 'Unspoken Words I' the spirit of Pink Floyd is alive again. 

This is an album that will appeal to prog fans old and new alike; 'The Betrayal' would not be out of place on 'Scenes From A Memory' and 'The Event Horizon' and 'The Untold Prophecy' are classic pieces of mid-tempo melodic progressive rock with all the hallmarks you would expect. The one aspect that doesn't quite work for me is the use of the narrator / storyteller on the spoken interludes (or 'System Logs') to embellish the concept; this is something that is overlong for my liking and doesn't add a great deal overall. But this is only a minor criticism as with this album the band have come up with an excellent debut effort. Yes, there are nods to the past and the influences of the bands already highlighted are apparent...but there is something very different, original and intriguing about this album that makes it stand out from the standard symphonic prog releases. The dramatic and evocative finale 'The Resurrection', which includes a choir, brings the concept to a satisfying conclusion and I was soon ready to play the entire album again. The 'Bonus Track' is played as you view the multimedia section of the CD which provides a detailed analysis of the concept and its origins. 

On this evidence The Aurora Project have a promising future ahead of them and they have already received considerable acclaim for their live performances to date. A great deal of time, care and attention to detail has gone into this release and it is very well produced. The key for them now will be following up 'Unspoken Words' with material that is just as strong and also by looking to bring their music to a wider audience by picking up support slots around Europe.  

With any luck they will make it over to the UK before too long and we will get the opportunity to experience 'Unspoken Words' in the live setting

Let us know your views on 'Unspoken Words'

Track List

Unspoken Words I
The Betrayal
SD: 9796.823
Unspoken Words II
The Untold Prophecy
The Event Horizon
System Log (9608, 10987)
The Gathering
SD: 9843.123
Unspoken Words III
SD: 9862.000
Nocturnal Lament
SD: 9890.114
The Resurrection

Line Up

Dennis Binnekade - Vocals
Remco van den Berg - Guitars
Marc Vooys - Guitars
Rob Krijgsman - Bass
Joris Bol - Drums
Marcel Guyt - Synths