Search - Ghost :: Hypnotic Underworld

Ghost's masterpiece

George T. Parsons | Nevada City, CA | 02/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Japanese band Ghost deliver their most varied and accomplished album yet with Hypnotic Underworld, which lives up to it's title repeatedly over the course of it's eleven tracks. From ethereal mellow melodic stuff to thunderous heaviness with incredible guitar by Michio Kurihara and exemplary voice, visions, and acoustic guitar from mainman Masaki Batoh, while the rest of the band prove their prowess on: bass, cello, tin whistle, tabla, flute, Theremin, saxophone, bouzouki, Mellotron, organ, lute, Celtic harp, recorder, etc. A modern tribally organic psychedelic masterpiece."

Impressive.

Ryan E. Penn | japan | 03/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I put this review up as it may help any of those who are interested in the record, but are unable to listen to it (as snippets never suffice). I by no means mean it to be a comprehensive review. That said, this is clearly one of the best neo-psych albums i have yet heard. The album is solid through and through, and manages to nicely hearken back to early seventies psych prog, while advancing too. It is prog, with the woodwinds, but has the nice fuzz guitar of psych. The musicianship is excellent, compositions interesting and creative. As a listener to classic psych and prog, this album is one of the most satisfying neo-psych records available. But at risk of repeating myself yet again, i end on note of saying buy it and enjoy."

Crystals, Gongs And Fire

Mark Roland | 11/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't heard all of their cds, but this one is my favorite and the most accomplished effort. The opening piece is challenging to rock listeners, being an extended jazzy meditiation. It does build ever so slowly and evolves into a powerful prog piece, perhaps not too different from some of Gong's efforts. The dreamy pop-psych aspect of the group presents a welcome contrast to the firey instrumental intensity and Hazy Paradise is a perfect transition after the title track.



I think the musicianship is a definite step up from their earlier work; there is an intuitive sensitivity and maturity replacing some of the youthful vigor of the first cds. Dominoes is a wonderful closer, a subtle Barrett cover that is likely not known by the legion of Pink Floyd fans. Balance is the key here, they can go to extemes in either the frantic chanting or sweet new-age meaderings, but here is the best of both sides in a fluid whole."