Band:	White Willow
Album:	Storm Season
Style:	Progressive rock
Release date:	2004
Guest review by:	janhuss

01. Chemical Sunset
02. Sally Left
03. Endless Science
04. Soulburn
05. Insomia
06. Storm Season
07. Nightside Of Eden

On September 21st the Norwegian band White Willow released its four studio album, called "Storm Season". In fact, it's not a new-comer; this band was praised during the years as being on of the most interesting & innovative band in the progressive field.

The mastermind Lupo succeeded to compose a new very good album, leaving back most of the esoteric concepts used on previously albums. They used to play a mix of progressive rock and "gothic" (loosely speaking), with lyrics full of esoteric symbols (mainly dealing with Gnosticism).
Well, this time, "Storm Season" is very melodic, melancholic and moody. The most important change is the use of heavy guitars, without turning into a "progressive metal" album. The female voice is simply great, and the duets (male/female) are well inserted. Don't get it wrong: it's not a plain "season" album. Yes, the mood is "autumnal", but the concept of the album, if there is one, deals with the desire for a simple natural life, beyond "the towers of concrete & steel". Beyond guitar parts, there are lots of keys, Hammond & mellotron, and even a beautiful cello. I couldn't help to compare this effort with "Forever Autumn" by Lake of Tears. It's not an objective comparison; it was just my first (and pleasant) impression.
As highlights from this album, I suggest to listen to "Chemical Sunset", the opening track, "Endless Science", "Soulburn", the title track "Storm Season" and the last one, which is the longest, "Nightside of Eden". In other words, (almost) the entire album.

As a "hidden" detail for this release, I have to mention this album was mastered by Alan Douches, who is known for his previous work with Sepultura, Dillinger Escape Plan,The Dismemberment Plan, Monster Magnet and even Yes.
A few words as conclusion: it's a pity this band isn't better known, as it deserves. And this album is, once more if it was necessary, a solid proof of the rich scene of Scandinavian progressive genre.