Sinkadotentree
AEON ZEN is the project of multi-instrumentalist Richard Hinks who has called upon some heavyweights(mostly vocalists) to help out with this the debut. His long time friend Lloyd Musto is on drums here but he would not be on the next album. "Existance" features SEVENTH WONDER vocalist Andi Kravijaka and i do like the heavier sections in this one. "Time Divine" has PAGAN MIND's Nils K Rue who just kills on this one. Without a doubt my favouite vocal performance on here. "Blinded Rain" has Andi back again on vocals. This one has more laid back sections on it. A beautiful song. "Hope's Echo Pt I & Pt II" has MIND's EYE singer Andreas Novak on it. The first part is a piano led ballad while the second part is better with the heaviness coming and going. "A Mind's Portrait" is dark and melancholic with reserved vocals. I adore this track because it really reminds me of OPETH's "Damnation" record. "The Circle's End" is really the short instrumental conclusion of "A Mind's Portrait". An impressive display here. "Heavens Falling" opens with piano and builds. We even get a "Free"-like section including the vocals. I'm talking OSI of course. "Into The Infinite" is atmospheric to start but when it kicks in it's like a runaway train. "Goddess" is an orchestral-like instrumental. "The Demise Of The Fifth Sun" ends it in style. Check out the vocals from MYRATH singer Elyes Bouchoucha ! A rampage at one point and later it's aggressive and complex to boot. Lots of variety as you might expect with so many guests and of course given the album's title. 4 stars and i like this better than the follow-up.