Back in 2009 I discovered the wonderful concept album Chronicles Of The Waking Dream by a band called Arcane and I was hooked. This standout Australian progressive group received much praise for their excellent work on that album and rightly so. We have had to wait eagerly until 2015 for Arcane to return with a follow up and what an album it is.
Known/Learned is that album and once again Arcane have recorded a concept release that is quite an extensive one with sixteen tracks on two discs. The first Known and the second being Learned featuring the lighter material of the two. With a storyline which is based on stages in the lives of a father and daughter. Known/Learned has a such a pristine sound everything is heard in crystal clear clarity. Arcane's foundations are in progressive rock with many heavier inclusions on the first disc such as "Selfsame" that includes a potent intricate guitar performance, and rather robust drumming with intense work on the kick pedals by Blake Coulson. It's a balance that should appeal not only to fans of quality progressive rock but also metal.
Arcane introduces "Promise [Part 2]" with a rather animated performance before Jim Grey's charismatic vocals come to the fore with a style that reminds in part of Tool's Maynard James Keenan. Arcane have the vocals covered and the music is equally favourable, with stellar performances that are reserved when required or as adventurous and powerful as the need may arise while always so accessible. Arcane don't disappoint like when listening to the absorbing mammoth track "Learned" with all it's wonderful inclusions. Known/Learned is the sort of album that has so many great moments, this was an ambitious undertaking of considerable length and one where Arcane show that they are capable of making it in the big leagues.
Known/Learned was well worth the wait this is a damn fine album to kick the new year off with, there is so much to this release that words simply cannot do it enough justice. You seriously need to experience Arcane's latest work for yourself.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
Disc 1: Known
1. Promise [Part 2]
2. Unturning
3. Instinct
4. Womb (In Memoriam)
5. Selfsame
6. Holding Atropos
7. Keeping Stone: Sound on Fire
8. Learned
Disc 2: Learned
9. Hunter, Heart & Home
10. Little Burden
11. Impatience and Slow Poison
12. Known
13. Nightingale's Weave
14. Eyes for the Change
15. Keeping Stone: Water Awake
16. Promise [Part 1]
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