„Elements“ is yet another in the series of planned reissues by the Swiss band Flame Dream. It is perhaps one of the highest-quality albums the band released in their then-existing discography.
As we know, Flame Dream operated during a period when progressive music was not in the spotlight; in fact, it could be said that it was somehow on the periphery, where a certain revival of the genre would arrive only a few years later. „Elements“ was a kind of conceptual album, featuring 5 tracks, concisely and precisely arranged, consisting of the performer’s sensitivity and the author’s arranging skill, creating a true carpet of colorful tones and sounds, which introduced the listener to a world that the band presented in its own way. This album, as a reissue, is enriched with a lavish 16-page booklet, and the way the production is handled has very successfully built a „bridge“ between the past and the present moment. Roland Ruckstuhl’s dominant compositional and playing skills are set up in such a way that the other instrumental passages performed by the band members also establish flawless mutual communication and a kind of constant dialogue in a less intrusive, yet complementary manner.
„Elements“, in many ways, creatively represented the „trademark“ of the Swiss group, and for fans at the time, it was the album that more distinctly defined their path.
dec 15 2025
FLAME DREAM – „Elements“
(eVe Records) 2025./1980.
CD/Digital
Progressive/symphonic prog. – SWITZERLAND
„Elements“ is yet another in the series of planned reissues by the Swiss band Flame Dream. It is perhaps one of the highest-quality albums the band released in their then-existing discography.
As we know, Flame Dream operated during a period when progressive music was not in the spotlight; in fact, it could be said that it was somehow on the periphery, where a certain revival of the genre would arrive only a few years later. „Elements“ was a kind of conceptual album, featuring 5 tracks, concisely and precisely arranged, consisting of the performer’s sensitivity and the author’s arranging skill, creating a true carpet of colorful tones and sounds, which introduced the listener to a world that the band presented in its own way. This album, as a reissue, is enriched with a lavish 16-page booklet, and the way the production is handled has very successfully built a „bridge“ between the past and the present moment. Roland Ruckstuhl’s dominant compositional and playing skills are set up in such a way that the other instrumental passages performed by the band members also establish flawless mutual communication and a kind of constant dialogue in a less intrusive, yet complementary manner.
„Elements“, in many ways, creatively represented the „trademark“ of the Swiss group, and for fans at the time, it was the album that more distinctly defined their path.
flamedreammusic.com
Objavio Branimir Lokner • International reviews • • Tags: Branimir Lokner, Elements, Flame Dream, progressive, Switzerland, Time Machine Music