The Guide (Ken's Novel, 1999)

Here you are a Belgian band dealing with neo-prog sounds with a highly dynamic twist. "The Guide" is the title track of Ken's Novel's debut abulm and also its opener (or Chapter 1, following the literary presentation of this CD's tracks). There are good themes, simple and effective melodies in an upbeat main structure that some beautiful atmosferic passages enrich on the emotional side. Bernard Piette's keyboards provide a perfect background  and also some thrilling energy throughout the song. 

Denis Bulon is responsible for this imposing artwork.

Eric Vanderbemden's  guitar graces this song with lively and sometimes heavy riffs, while Patrick Muermans not only sings it very well, but also sets up a creative drumming interwined to Geoffrey Leontiev's drizzling bass. I do like the rich mixture of sounds and words in "The Guide" and its good balance between polished neo-prog and good old progressive rock.

Chapter II: Crowd on Sale (Ken's Novel, 2004)

This is a highly dynamic track by Belgian band Ken's Novel, taken from the album "Domain of Oblivion". Full of solos, devilish interplays, energetic guitars, dreamy interludes and earthy vocals, this track can be considered as a modern approach to progressive rock, both up tempo and melodic, not so far from the rockiest side of neo-prog. I also see a crossover and electronic sound in this track, based on irregular rythms and passionate themes, so that this is the less boring track I can imagine. 

"Domain of Oblivion" is the third album by Ken's Novel.

"Crowd on Sale" has an enthralling allure and such a beautiful, a manifold texture, a bright mood and a polite orchestration, along with a skillful performance by the entire band. If you like progressive rock the way it chould be, this song is for you.