The Flower King: Manifesto of an Alchemist by Roine Stolt

The Flower King: Manifesto of an Alchemist by Roine Stolt (2018)

His most recent album, which is a good one, a sort of follow-up to The Flower King, the 1994 album I've already mentioned and which is absolutely no match for it, is a neo-prog work that, like his work both as a solo artist and in numerous other bands, is inspired by symphonic rock, this time with various influences, including blues, a touch of pop, and is certainly enhanced by excellent compositions that are nothing new for this artist.

We find dreamy atmospheres, lashing riffs, great electric piano and a splendid Hammond organ, great bass and Roine's captivating singing, great blues guitar, Mellotron, and psychedelic interludes. There are purely instrumental tracks that raise the bar: jazz-fusion, Moog, great saxophone, and beautiful flute.

The band is exceptional. In addition to multi-instrumentalist Roine Stolt, other members of The Flower Kings include:

Hans "Hasse" Fröberg
Zach Kamins
Michael Stolt
Bassist Jonas Reingold (Kaipa, The Sea Within, The Tangent, Steve Hackett Band, Karmakanic, The Fringe, Opus Atlantica, The Flower Kings, Agents of Mercy, Time Requiem...)

And also:

Nad Sylvan, known both for his solo work and for his collaborations with Steve Hackett on Genesis remakes.
Max Lorentz, among others, is a member of Kaipa.
Rob Townsend (Eddie Henderson, Bill Bruford, Django Bates) on saxophone.
Drummer Marco Minnemann (UKZ, The Aristocrats, The Mute, Gods, The Sea Within, In Continuum...)

Almost all the bands mentioned are available on the ARTISTS page.

The text on the inside cover of the album states that he and the other musicians decided to keep less-than-perfect performances and ideas not used in the recording sessions, in favor of great spontaneity.

Vintage ideas and modern sounds, an absolutely valid work, beautifully executed and with excellent prog.

Recommended!

Tracks
1. Rainsong (1:28)
2. Lost America (9:50)
3. Ze Pawns (8:27)
4. High Road (12:32)
5. Rio Grande (7:50)
6. Next to a Hurricane (4:25)
7. The Alchemist (6:58)
8. Baby Angels (3:49)
9. Six Thirty Wake-Up (4:17)
10. The Spell of Money (9:49)
Running Time 69:25

The Lineup
- Roine Stolt - lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars (6, 8), keyboards, synth (1, 9), bass (4-6), ukulele and drums (8), composer

Featuring:

- Hans "Hasse" Fröberg - vocals (3, 4, 6, 10)

- Nad Sylvan - vocals (6)

- Max Lorentz - vocals (1, 2), Hammond B3 (2, 9)

- Zach Kamins - organ, Moog, and Mellotron (5)

- Rob Townsend - soprano saxophone (7), flute (9)

- Michael Stolt - bass (3, 8, 9), vocals (2, 3)

- Jonas Reingold - fretted (2, 7, 10) and fretless (2) basses

- Marco Minnemann - drums