Band: Jupiter Society
Band Website: www.jupitersociety.se
Label: ProgRock Records
Label Website:www.progrockrecords.com
Release Date: 2008
Back in the sixties and early seventies the idea of doing solo projects was shunned
or viewed as a sign of the end for the band you were in. Today solo projects have become almost the norm. Solo projects have become
yet another creative outlet for creative people. So it is with the new release under the name Jupiter Society entitled First Contact//Last
Warning. Spearheaded by Carl Westholm (keyboards), perhaps best known as one-half of the band Carptree, he has gathered together Jonas
Kallsback (drums), Stefan Fanden (bass), Mats Leven (vocals, drums), Nils Erikson (vocals, programming), Oivin Tronstad (vocals),
Leif Edling (bass), Cia Backman (female vocals) and Ulf Edelonn (guitars) to produce a stirring symphonic masterpiece. An impressive
cast representing such bands as Candlemass, Krux, Therion and others.
The hour long disc, First Contact//Last Warning consists
of eight tracks, all of which tend to be on the longish side. All but two are seven minutes or more with the longest being eleven
and half minutes. Stylistically the music created by Jupiter Society has much in common with Carptree; it is grand in scope, majestic,
panoramic, large scale symphonic progressive rock. As might be expected, melody plays a significant role in these compositions. WhereJupiter Society is different is that here the music tends to be slightly heavier in tone. Not as heavy as say Therion but certainly
just as complex. The arrangements are lush and full of dynamics. And while the guitar is there, it doesn’t stand out anywhere near
as much as the plethora of keyboards do. Structurally these compositions, being longer provide for ample sonic variety. There are
many moody, soft and delicate almost ambient sections that contrast beautifully with the more grand and bombastic sections. This is
the kind of music, driven as it is with the melody that sends shivers up my spine and makes the hair on my arms stand up! It is brilliant.
Vocally, again there are times where I hear Carptree, but with each of the players taking a turn at the microphone there is a lot
more vocal variety. This being a sci-fi concept each vocalist plays a part propelling the story along. Needless to say there are many
opportunities for massed choirs creating these huge operatic-like sections.
If you are a Carptree fan but looking for something
perhaps a little more complex and involved and maybe a little heavier, look no further because Jupiter Society is going to fit the
bill nicely. Conversely if you are a Therion fan but looking for something just a little lighter with slightly more accessible melodies
this will be just the ticket for you. First Contact//Last Warning is a masterful achievement that will also appeal to fans of Ayreon.
The music here is packed with nuance and it’s the kind of disc I can keep going back to over and over again and each time hear something
new. Jupiter Society is easily one of my favorites for the year.
