Although most modern-day prog metallists list such bands as
Led Zeppelin,
Yes, and
Rush as prime influences, most only focus on the hard-rocking side of the aforementioned acts. As a result, they overlook an important bit -- all three had their "acoustic moments" (side two of
Led Zeppelin III; the intro to
Yes' "I've Seen All Good People," the intro to
Rush's "The Trees," etc.). Norway's
Green Carnation is one of the few bands not afraid to pick up their acoustic axes and bring the intensity down a notch, as evidenced by 2006's
The Acoustic Verses. The sextet's prog roots bubble to the surface here and there (such as during the three-part epic, "9-29-045"), but it's the more straightforward compositions that prove to be the standouts ("The Burden Is Mine...Alone," "High Tide Waves," etc.). And you have to give the lads credit for exercising restraint throughout -- even when a splash of distortion could have easily been used in the slow buildup of "Maybe?," they stick to the game plan throughout. The bottom line is that you don't have to be a prog rock aficionado to enjoy
Acoustic Verses -- you just have to appreciate finely played and penned acoustic music. And it sure beats the hell out of all those foolers on the radio, that are on their eighth re-write of
Alice in Chains'
Jar of Flies. ~ Greg Prato