Lost Kingdom releases a debut of avant-garde neo-classical music. The music leans towards Strauss but is also inspired by Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Wagner, Verdi, Brahms, Dvorák, Tjajkovskij and Mahler. But it is not only classical music in the romantic style. It’s also hints of modernism like the masters Stravinsky, Francis Poulenc and Arthur Honegger. Yet with their own style and touch of course. The biggest inspiration for the album is nature...

As the New Dawn Awakes is the latest album from Swedish-based Lost Kingdom.

This collection features 10 tracks that range from the piano based classical themed (Sleeping Land and Change in Colors - my personal favourite) to the more jazzy based piano and percussion piece (The Ridge) to the more lighthearted umpha band inspired (Morning Glory).

The Bridge of Gruhdok, which I highlighted as one of my favourite tracks on the Radio Rivendell Compilation Volume 2 - The Book of War CD, is one of those tracks that just seems to get better every time you listen to it. While it's a shame that it's so short (at just under 2 mins), you'll cherish every second.

The only slight grumble is that it would have been great if some of the tracks on this CD had been given the full orchestra treatment. I know that orchestras are too expensive to employ for niche projects like this, but it would have greatly enhanced the recordings. Some of the computer generated instruments are becoming too familiar on recordings like this, and that greatly detracts from the end project.

As the New Dawn Wakes is an incredibly impressive soundtrack. If mellow, relaxing sounds are what you're after, then look no further, you've found it with this wonderful collection of beautiful tracks.

9

Ray Thompson