Nautilus

Sanctuary of Dreams (2004). Jesse Sola records as Numina. Sanctuary of Dreams, his first release on a major label (Hypnos Recordings), might be his best effort yet. In the past, his CDs have leaned to the darker sides of ambience. While this disc does have some ominous tones, the overall timbres are gentle and soothing. Sola's style allows the uplifting chords to be the overriding persona of this CD. He combines organic textures with languid atmospheres to create warm and friendly soundscapes…

The purely instrumental and jamming spirit of the Finnish quintet may quickly lead the listener to their influences; however, the variety of ideas and their multi-faceted character will excite even the most suspicious. The beautiful soundscapes created by the double guitars, the keys and the discreet touches by the flute in the opening Nautilus Part 1 bring to mind the psychedelic prog of our beloved Swedes Agusa, while the slightly less impressive Part 2 continues in almost the same pattern with its most dynamic finale. Those who expect the rest of the album to follow the same paths are completely misguided. The eastern ethnic elements in the excellent Chafa Azeno and Marracech add an oriental spirit to the album…

Nominated for PROG magazine's Limelight award for best new band, cinematic New York-based prog rockers Circuline have managed to gather an impressive all-star line-up of SEVEN guest guitarists on their latest release "Counterpoint", including members of Enchant, Happy the Man, Renaissance, and Sound of Contact. Circuline performed at the 13th International Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest), Philadelphia's Liberty Music Fest, Chicago's Progtoberfest, New Jersey's ProgStock, and has toured England opening for IO Earth.