Live at Orion

After 15 years of existence, the instrumental prog band Djam Karet delivered its first official live album. Live at Orion is from a show recorded at Baltimore's Orion Sound Studios on September 25 and 26, 1998, as Djam Karet was giving its first performances on the American East Coast. The album starts with "Technology and Industry," a rocking number that was originally on The Ritual Continues. Two more tracks, "Familiar Winds" and "Shaman's Descent," both more trippy, are also lifted from that record. It seems the band chose to focus on older material for this live CD, since The Devouring, their previous studio release, is only represented by "Forbidden By Rule." But there is "Run Cerberus Run" and "Reflections From the Firepool" from the record named after the latter tune, as well as "Province 19" (probably Djam Karet's heaviest tune) from Burning the Hard City. The recording is completed by an atmospheric 14-minute jam. The sound quality is excellent and, as in every show recorded at Orion, you feel as if you are there. The playing is strong and uplifting, although "Run Cerberus Run" lacks some punch. The guys must have been getting tired. Djam Karet's distinctive sound signature is the band's dual guitars, underpinned by bass and drums. An occasional synth brings some atmospheric touches. Tunes usually develop from a riff repeated as the two guitarists trade solos. Live at Orion is a good way to get acquainted with Djam Karet and a nice addition to the fan's collection. ~ François Couture, Rovi