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▓█▌▐█▌  ▓▀    ▀▀ ▓▀   ▀▓    ▀▀▀    ██▓ ██ ▀▀               ▀  █▌       ▓ ▀▀▀▀ ▀ ▐█▓ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▓██▄█▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀   ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▌▀ ░▓█▓░ ▀█▄                ▓▐█▀▀                      ░▓█▓░ ░█▓░░  ▓                      ▓        ▓░▓█░  ░▓▄█████▄░   ▄ ▄  ▓▄██████▄░  ░▐██▀▀▀▀███▓░ ▀▓▀ ▀▓▀ ░███▀▀▀▀██▄▓ ▀▀▀   ▀▀▀▀▀▀  ▀▀▀▀▀   ▀▀▀ ███  ████▀    ▄▀▀▄▄█████▄▄ ▄▄█████▄▄▀▀▄   ▀████   ██  ██   ▀██▄▐▄  ■ ▄██▀▀ ▀██▄ ▄ ▄██▀ ▀▀██▄ ■ ▄ ▄██▌   ▐█▓  ░▓▄   ▀██▄▀▓█▄▄▄█▀▀ ▄ ▄▓▓▄ ▐█▌ ▌ ▀▓▀ ▐▓▓▌ ▄▓▓▄ ▄ ▀▀▓▄▄░▄██▀   ▄▀      ▓░▓▄███   ▐▀ ▀▓▀ ▀▀ ▄██▀ ▀██▄ ▀▀ ▀▓▀  ▀███▄ ▓▓        ▄██▀▓   ■ ▀▄▀ ▀▄▀ ■   ░▀███░       ▓███▓     ░░ ▐▌ ▐▌     ░███▓      ███▌░  ▀ ▀ ███▓    ▐██▀ ▀███░   ██▌  Artist...: Karmakanic ░▐██▌  ░▐██   Album....: Transmutation  ░██▌░ ▓▐██   Year.....: 2025  ▓▐██▓ ▓▐██   Rel. Date: 2025-09-21  ░▐██▓  ▐██   Genre....: Progressive Rock   ██▌░ ░ ██▌  Label....: Reingold Records   ██▌    ▐██  Source...: CD  ▐██    ░▐██▌ Type.....: Album ▐██▌░  ▓▄████ Quality..: VBR, 44.1kHz, Joint Stereo ████▌░ ▐██░░▀█▄░         ▓█▌  ███  ▀██▓ ▓█▄        ▄█▀ ▓██▀    ▓██▄ ▓▓▀▄    ▄▓▀  ▄██▓░     ██▌    ▓  ▄▄▄ ░    ▐██▓░       ██▌    ░ ░▀▄▓▓█▀█▄▀▀░     ▓██░         ░██░     ░ ░▄ ▄▄██▐▓▓█▄░▄█▌██▀▀ ▀░ ░ ▄▄▀▀█░░▐█░      ▄  ▐█▌░    ░▄▄▀▓▓███▀▄░ ▓▄▄█▌▓▓█ ▓█░   ▀░▀  ██     ▀▀▀ ░█▓▄▄▄█▀░ ▓█        ░▐█▌    ░█▌▐▓ ▓▄▄░ ▌         ░█░     ▄  ▐▓▓▀▀▀░▓█▄▄░       ░░▄█▄ ▄ ██▄ ▀░▀ ▀█░▄▄▄  ▄█░▄▀▀▄▀▀▄░▀▀▄       ▀▀████████▀░ ▀▀░  ▄█▓░░░░▀░░█ █▄█▓        ▐█░▀██▀ ▄█▓░░░ ▐ ▄ ░▓█▄        ▓  ▐▌  ▐ ▄█▀█░ ░  ░ ▄ ▀█▄▓█░    ░▓▓▀▀░▄ ▌▓   ■░▒ ░ ▄ ▐▀▀▓▄█▓░░ ░ ░ ▄█▀█░█▐▓▌▀▄         ░▀█▌  ▓▬ ▓▀▓ ░▄▄▓▀▓░      ░▀█░▀█▄░░  ░█░ ██ █░▀█▐▌       ░▓░░▐▌   ▌ ░░■  ▄█▐  ▐       ▓▓▓█░▓█▄▄█░  █▓█▓▌░ ▀  ▄         ▓░▓ █▓▐░▌ ▓ ░▓▓ ▓▐▒▄░░▐▓█  ▌         █▀▀░▐▀░█▀▓  ▐▌ █▌    ▀░▀     ▄ ▐░▌░▐█ █▌ ▓   ░█░░█▀ ▐▓▐░ ▀▄▄▀▀▌░   ▄▄███▐████▄▓  ▌        █  ░   █ ─▀▀▀█▓░█▄▌  ▐░▐░ ▄▄▄░██  ░ ░ ░▓░  ▐▌▓▄▌▓▓▌▓▐▓█▀  ■                ▄ ▌     ▀█▄█▌ █▌▐▓░█▓ ▀ ░░░ ░▓█▄█  █▓▓▓▓▓█▄▓▓▐▓  ░        █  ░  ▄ ▀ ░  ░  ▓██  ▄██▀ ░▌█░▄░██░░▐▌  ▄ 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░▄▀▀▄█▓░ ▓▓█░████▓███░██▀▓▓███▓ ▓██▓▐█▌ ███▄▄   ▐███▄ ▓▄█▀▀  ▐█▄█▀  ▄▀▀░ ▄█▀░ ░ ▓████████▐██████▓█▓ ▓█ ██  ░█▓ ▐█▄▓██▄██▄▐█▌░   ▐██▌▓▄█▀▓    ▄▄▀▀▀▀▄▄▄ ▓██▓▓▓▀▄████▐░███ █░█▌▄ ▐█▀██▀ ██▀   ▀███▄▄█▓ ███████▄▓▀▀▀▀▄▓  ░▄██▓ ▓ ▓██▓▀▄█████▓ ▄▄▀▀▓▄▄█▄▐█▄▄▓▄▄▄▄▄▄▄░▄░░░▄▄▀▄▄▀█░▄▄▄▄▄▄▐█▌ ▄██▀▄▄▄▄▄▄ ██░████ ▓     ░  ▓██░                        ▓█▄█▀     ▓██████            ▀▀▄▓                      ▓▀▀▀       ▓ █ 1. Brace for Impact 2:32 2. End of the Road 10:17 3. Cosmic Love 4:59 4. We Got the World in Our Hands 7:44 5. All That Glitters is Not Gold 6:34 6. Gotta Lose This Ball and Chain 6:24 7. Transmutation (The Constant Change of Everything) 22:55 61:25 Swedish symphonic progressive rock group founded in Malm÷, Sweden in 2002 by bassist and keyboardist Jonas Reingold. --- Music gives me many æYes, pleaseÆ moments. The sweetest of these is when one of my favorite bands (especially one that might be lesser known), reappears against all odds, and with consistent brilliance to boot. Niche bands like this are rare and are to be treasured, especially when they are of the quality of Jonas ReingoldÆs Karmakanic. When I was first introduced to Karmakanic in 2004 (with the highly superior album æWheel of LifeÆ) I experienced a æYes, pleaseÆ moment quite unlike any other. I frankly could not believe that such high quality music was being produced by an obscure band with a strange name that I had never heard of. Who were these Swedish geniuses? Who was this blindingly talented bassist? I was riddled with questions, and I could not get enough of Karmakanic. I quickly caught up with debut album, 2002Æs æEntering the SpectraÆ and was by now obsessed with this then relatively unknown band. They were so much more than just an off-shoot of The Flower Kings. Dazzling musicianship, brilliant melodies, elaborate arrangements, jaw-dropping experimentation, hooks, solos, harmonies and massive epics all delivered in the finest Classic Prog style û it was all there. Karmakanic quickly became my own personal favorite secret. However I did warn myself not to expect any more æYes, pleaseÆ moments, so rare is a band like this. To my absolute joy, the band (with various line-ups but always under the expert stewardship of Reingold) proceeded to deliver three more brilliant studio albums between 2008 and 2016 (æWhoÆs the Boss in the FactoryÆ, æIn a Perfect WorldÆ and æDotÆ). The band also delivered three live albums, often partnering with other closely associated Prog bands such as The Tangent and Agents of Mercy. Of course, ReingoldÆs mighty reputation as bassist for The Flower Kings, The Tangent and Steve Hackett had by now elevated him to the highest echelons of Prog, but still Karmakanic remained by far my most favorite of all his projects. It is his baby. His passion. Much more than a side-project û it is his best work. And that is saying something. So delighted was I when I heard that Karmakanic were due to release a new studio album in 2025 that no epithets could describe the anticipation. I have gone into this one with very high expectations indeed, because æTransmutationÆ is not just the next Karmakanic album: quite early on, it was revealed that this album would feature one of my other favorite musicians, the great John Mitchell of Frost*, It Bites and Lonely Robot. But the enticement did not even end there û the long list of other æmost favoredÆ performers that were to appear on æTransmutationÆ became quite legendary in a short space of time. Other than Karmakanic stalwarts Krister Jonsson, Lalle Larsson and G÷ran Edman, Reingold and Mitchell are also backed up by Simon Phillips, Nick æD Virgilio, Craig Blundell, Steve Hackett, Andy Tillison, Luke Machin, Randy McStine, Roger King, Rob Townsend, Tomas Bodin, Jan-Olof Jonsson, Geri Schuller, Dina H÷blinger, Lelo Nika, Markus Lukastik, Sven Cirnski and Amanda Lehmann. This, dear reader, is not just a case of æYes pleaseÆ multiplied exponentially. It has become a veritable promise of Nirvana conferred by the angels of Prog. I have listened to æTransmutationÆ as impartially as possible, and I have consistently told myself to æJust let the music be the arbiter and donÆt over-anticipate thisÆ. Well, I have tried to do just that, with as few expectations as possible, and at the end of many spins, the objective fact cannot be ignored: as early as March 2025, we may already have received the Progressive Rock Album of the Year. The instrumental æBrace For ImpactÆ kicks off the album with 2 ╜ minutes of driving intensity. After a John Lord-type Hammond intro from Tillison, controlled mayhem inevitably unfolds. Reingold locks in with Simon Phillips and the track immediately marks its territory with JonssonÆs scything guitar and a frenzied Larsson keyboard solo. It is a bold but short statement made by Reingold that this album will be a thrilling journey of virtuosity. The songÆs title says it all. The dulcet vocal tones of John Mitchell herald the grandiose æEnd of the RoadÆ, a clear exposition of ReingoldÆs ability to write a melodic Prog hook that is up there with the best of them. This track is faithful to the traditional Karmakanic Symphonic Prog sound, but it also explores new territory due to the opportunities provided by MitchellÆs unique delivery. In essence, the Karmakanic sound just got a new layer of warmth and emotion. Luke MachinÆs guitar solo is superb and Randy McStineÆs additional lead vocal intertwines beautifully with MitchellÆs, all combining to make for an uplifting and glorious experience. æCosmic LoveÆ also revolves around MitchellÆs precise but emotive vocals, in a lighter pop-Prog setting. It seems to me that Reingold, who on this track delivers one of the finest Rickenbacker bass-lines you have ever heard, must have written the track with Mitchell explicitly in mind. Craig Blundell, MitchellÆs band-mate in Frost* (and ReingoldÆs in the Steve Hackett band), shows why he is one of the most in-demand drummers in the game today. By now it is very apparent that Reingold, an underestimated producer, has a knack for appointing just the right vocalists and performers for just the right tracks. Sweet melody is conferred in æWe Got The World In Our HandsÆ. The opening acoustic chords, delivered by Mcstine, are some of the most mellifluous you have heard and the glowing hook will have you humming for days. The Reingold/Phillips combination, now in a less frenzied mood, is perfect for the song, which conjures an incredibly positive energy. Jonsson confers a brilliant guitar solo over ReingoldÆs handy keyboard work, and the resulting track is just beautiful. æAll That Glitters Is Not GoldÆ returns us to classic Symphonic Rock territory, but with a trademark Karmakanic accordion/flute intro by Lelo Nika and Markus Lukastik. Mitchell may be a baritone, but his voice has immense range and great lyrical enunciation and he gives a superb performance. The track is a ballad, but it also traverses some heavier ground as it builds into a crescendo around JonssonÆs guitar and the solid keyboard lines of ReingoldÆs erstwhile Flower Kings band-mate, Thomas Bodin. BlundellÆs drum-sound and intricate patterns, of course, are huge. æLose This Ball And ChainÆ sees Mitchell and past Karmakanic alumnus G÷ran Edman trading vocal chops over a weighty Reingold/Phillips bedrock. The vocal exchanges, especially towards the end of the track, make for a composition that is uniquely Karmakanic, and will leave existing fans pleased at the familiarity of the sound. Edman is a fabulous singer, and I am very glad that he made an appearance on this Karmakanic album alongside Mitchell and the other vocalists. The closing epic æTransmutation (The Constant Change of Everything)Æ will, in my opinion at least, be remembered as one of the finest Progressive Rock moments of this decade. Reingold throws the book at this one, and, of course, go-to Prog drummer Nick DÆVirgilio is one of the reasons why the track is so good. It is 23 minutes of pure excellence that reaches several peaks and climaxes over a kaleidoscopic journey. All the adventurous styles and directions that you could desire from a Karmakanic epic are here, and then some. There is a particular DÆVirgilio/Reingold groove in the verses that will bring a warm glow to your soul û the type of glow that only the finest music can bestow. Dina H÷blinger makes a fine contribution to the lead vocals and the keyboards of Lalle Larsson, Roger King and Andy Tillison all meld beautifully. It feels like there is a cast of thousands on this track, which deals with the topic of æidiocracyÆ and the changing of human seasons. Somehow there is space for no less than 13 consummate virtuoso performances, and yet the song does not sound overworked. Even Steve Hackett makes an appearance on acoustic guitar, and his discernible sound is perfectly placed at the start of the slow build. There are some familiar Karmakanic motifs in the song, but they somehow sound even better when revisited on this epic, which confers that warm feeling of musical æglowÆ throughout its voyage. It all resolves into a massive slow crescendo at the end, and one can feel that all these fine performers, the best of their breed, must know that they have been involved in something special. This is an absolutely astounding track that must be heard more than a few times to truly appreciate its rounded, glowing glory. Particular mention must be made of the production quality of this album. Two bars into the record, the listener is immediately struck not only by the obvious quality of the performances, but also by another of the albumÆs unique identifiers û gargantuan audio production that is immense but never obtuse. This, quite simply, is one of the best-sounding albums that I have ever heard. There is space, separation and clarity, but huge power and sonic force at the same time. ReingoldÆs bass never sounded better (and that is saying something) and the many unique performance nuances conferred by the various musicians are never lost in the mix. It would not be an overstatement to say that this is the best audio quality that I have heard since, well, Chris Lord-AlgeÆs last album. The Grammy-winning engineer is patently an audio genius, and it is obvious that he greatly enjoys KarmakanicÆs music, because he has painstakingly conferred his best techniques on it. Reingold, of course, takes overall credit as the albumÆs producer, summoning productions from no fewer than 12 recording studios around the globe. He should be very proud û it sounds superb. There is genuinely not a weak moment on KarmakanicÆs æTransmutationÆ. With two performances pending on Cruise to the Edge 2025 (and hopefully more shows after that), I, for one, am now seriously considering traveling a vast distance just to hear this music played live. The first couple of months of 2025 have already conferred on us an incredible portfolio of Prog releases, but I cannot imagine that it could get better than this. KarmakanicÆs æTransmutationÆ is an absolute must-have for any self-respecting fan of melodic Symphonic Prog. It is an overwhelming æYes pleaseÆ for me, and I strongly recommend it to you. Feel the glow, go to the show and get this album. You wonÆt be sorry.                                                                                                     ▀▀░                                                                                                                ░▄▀                                  ▄█▀                                             ░▄           ░▐███░               ▀█░▄▄▄                    ▄░       ▀█░░                      ░           ▀▀░                                         ▄  ░                                          ▄     █          ▀                 ▄              ▄█▄ ▄ ██▄         ▀░▀     ▄         ▀                ▀░▀   ▀         ▀▀████████▀░                   ▀ ▄      ░                      ░░       ░▀██▀                    ▀██▄                ▄               ▐     ░      ░  █▀▄    ▐▓▓▌   █                    ▄   ▄▄       ░                    ▄▄▌█  ▄▄▓▓▓▀  ▄                      ▄ ▀   ████      ░                   ▐███▌  ░ ░                  ▄██▀     ▄▄██▄▄           ░           ▄▄███▄▄ ▄  ▓                         ▐▓▓▌  ░   ▓████▄        ▀          ▀    ▓█████▓  ▀ ▄                           ▀▓▓▓▄▄   ▐▓███ ▌                       ▌█████      ▀██▄   ▄                ░▄  ▀▀██▄▐████ ▌▐ ▌▓                ▓▐ ▌█▓███       ▐▓▓▌ ▀░▀           █    █  ░ ░▓▐████▄▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐▄ ▐▐·▌▌▐▐ ▐ ▄█████    ▄▄▓▓▓▀                            ▓ ▓▐████ ▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐▐▓▐▐ ▌▌▐▐ ▐ ▌█████ ▄█▓▀▀  ▄░ ░            ▄▄▄░      ▓     ░▐████▄▌▐▄▌▌▄▌▌▐ ▌▐▐▄▐▐▄▌▄▐▐▓▐▄▌█████ ▓     █               █████      ▐▄░   ▓▐████ ▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐▐ ▐▐ ▌▌▐▐▓▐ ▌█████   ▓░   ▄         ▐▓    █▓███░    ▓▐█░▄▄  ▐████ ▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐█ ▐▐ ▌▌▐▐ ▐ ▌█████    ▄██▄ ▀ ▄      █▌    █████▓   ██▀█▀▀   ▐█▓██ ▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐▐ ▐▐ ▌▌▐▐ ▐ ▌███▓█   ▐█▓██▓   ▀██▄ ▀██▀   █████▓░    ▓█▌    ▐████▓▌▐▄▌▌▄▌▌▄ ▌▐▐▄▐▐▓▌▌▐▐▄▐▄▌█████   ▐████▌    ▐▓▓▌▓█▌   ▄█▓███▄░     ▐█▄▓  ▐████ ▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐▐ ▐▐ ▌▌▐▐ ▐ ▀█▓███   ▐████▌ ▄▄▓▓▓▀  █▓  ████████▄▄▓ ▄█████▌ ▐████ ▌▐ ▌▌ ▌▌▐ ▌▐▐ ▐▐ ▌▌▐▐▓▐ ▌█████   ▓████▌░ ▄▄   ▄▄█▄▄ ██████████████████████████████▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄     █████  ░██▓████▓██▓▓██████ █░█████▄▀█▄░████████▄▄▄▄▄██████▓████████░██████▄▄▄▄▄███████░▄██░█░█████████ ▓██▀█████▓░░ ░ ░ ░ ░ ░ ░░░▓███▓█████ ████████▓ ▓██▓▐████▓ ▓██ █░███ █░██████▓ ███▓▄▀█▓ ▓ ▓█████▓███████ ▓███ ░▄▄▄▓████▓ ▓████████▓ ▓██████▓ ▓████▓