Seventh Hell (Ars Nova, 2009)

This track by the Japanese band Ars Nova is a treat for those into powerful and dynamic symphonic rock. The Seventh Hell album (also titled La Vénus Endormie on the French market) was a turning point in this act's career, marking a substancial enhancement of their line up, adding new players to the original female trio, even if only the dummer Hazimo was credited as an official  member. This opening and title track is simply bombastic, a huge wall of sound where an apparent chaos is perfectly conducted and finalized to build up a well written and shapely instrumental composition. 

This cover art belongs to the French edition of the album.

Apparently, it seemed too explicit for the international market.

Two main themes and several pleasant interludes follow one another and lead the listener through a musical tour de force. All players show their skills, but no one impose herself (or himself). That's saying something, expecially in the prog rock genre! A moderate electronic touch supplements the traditional paraphernalia of a proper prog band. Of course, Keiko Kumagai shows once more her compositional skills and her keyboards wisely combine the individual sounds into an artistic unity. 

Kali - Demolition And Massacre (Ars Nova, 1996)

This Japanese powerful trio is the female version of ELP and surely was mostly inspired by the British authors of "Tarkus". This track comes from the album "The Goddess of Darkness", a concept based on female divinities all around the world and the eras. This song, of course, is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali and is full of drama and rythmic inventions. The spectacular keyboards played by Kaiko Kumagai - also responsible for all compositions - are perfectly empowered by the rythm section (Kyoko Kanazawa on bass guitar and drummer Akiko Takahashi).

"The Goddess of Darkness" was Ars Nova's third studio album.

If you like highly dynamic prog, fast progressions and irregular rythms, this is for you. Demolition and Massacre are quoted in the sub-title of this instrumental and you'll definitely find them in this series of dark and devilish themes. So this is a piece of advice for you all: don't listen to this if you're faint hearted!