KENS DOJO - review added 6th September 2010
Album Review: Reincarnation (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and being the one and only
Kens Dojo is the solo project name for Norwegian guitar player, songwriter and producer Ken Ingwersen. Ken has played and worked with bands such as Limelight, Evenrude, Rags, Speed, Street Legal, and Uriah Heep over the years, although more recently he has been doing a lot of work in the pop field (presumably because you can actually earn some money doing that!)
After so many years in the industry, it's a surprise that "Reincarnation" is Ken's first solo release. It was kind of worth the wait though, because there really is some magnificent work on show here. It isn't by any means perfect, but when Kens Dojo gets it right, WOW!
A big part of the album's quality is down to the standard of the guests. How does Glenn Hughes (ex-Deep Purple), Ken Hensley (ex-Uriah Heep), Michael Eriksen (Circus Maximus), Nils K. Rue (Pagans Mind), Chesney Hawkes, Tommy La Verdi (ex-21 Guns), Eirikur Hauksson aka Eric Hawk (ex-Artch), Truls Haugen (Circus Maximus), Morty Black (ex-TNT), Ole Devold (Tritonus), Aslak Johnsen (Mindtech), Jon Rydningen (Dream Police) and more...grab you? Sounds pretty good to me...
The sound is a mixture of hard rock, theatrical prog, superb instrumental forays and a few lighter styles. Ken is clearly an ultra-talented guitarist, but it's the variety of style he can muster which is truly impressive. The variety (and the number of players) is perhaps the album's ultimate downfall. It doesn't necessarily work that well as an LP. This release is all about the individual moments. And for the great ones it's worth every penny.
'Forever' takes its smooth progressive cues from vintage Queensryche and really is very good. 'Keeping The Flame Alive' again takes its cues from Queensryche, but this time is absolutely stunning. This is the best Queensryche song since those on "Empire". Shame Geoff Tate and co. didn't write it! 'I Surrender' sees Glenn Hughes in typically fine form. It's a semi-symphonic ballad that's as memorable as any slow track he's ever worked on. 'Reincarnation' features Mr. 'One And Only', Chesney Hawkes. He sounds a bit like a lady, but it's a lovely song nonetheless.
'Momentos A Solas' is a perfectly nice, if unexciting, instrumental. 'Demon In Diamonds' is a big hard rocking track that sticks well in the mind. 'Come Alive' is good, although nothing mind blowing. 'El Recreo' is a very short instrumental. 'Set This Angel Free' is a pleasant inoffensive ballad, and actually something of a grower. 'Rain' is perhaps a little too understated for its own good. 'Soundcheck Bonanza' is another instrumental, and much better it is too.
As a whole this isn't the strongest album, but those few songs near the start are so good they comfortably justify the existence of "Reincarnation" by themselves. Personally I'd go and raid iTunes for the best moments. You won't be sorry if you do.
Check out... 'Keeping The Flame Alive'. Wow.
Track List:
01. Forever
02. Keeping The Flame Alive (Nils K. Rue from Pagan's Mind on vocals)
03. I Surrender (Glenn Hughes on vocals)
04. Reincarnation (Chesney Hawkes on vocals)
05. Momentos A Solas
06. Demon In Diamonds (Tommy La Verdi from 21 Guns on vocals)
07. Come Alive
08. El Recreo
09. Set This Angel Free
10. Rain
11. Soundcheck Bonanza
Label: AOR Heaven
Artist's website(s): Ken's Dojo | MySpace | Facebook
