In one of the oddest moments of my adult life, I awoke to the news of a brand new Flower Kings CD.
Why, weird?
Because I spent much of yesterday listening to TFK and thinking about the past and the future. I was reflecting on how critical TFK have been to my own creative (such as it is) and professional life. I wrote my first biography while listening repeatedly to Stardust We Are, Flowerpower, and Space Revolver. And, the music fit perfectly–my first book was an intellectual biography of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Last night, and my wife can confirm this, I couldn’t go to bed until I took and posted a photo of appreciation: the TFK surrounding my Tolkien book. I felt rather frantically obsessed (called?) to take the photo before heading to bed. Wild.
Additionally, I started planning a series in my head for Progarchy very similar to what Pete Blum has so brilliantly done with “20 Looks at The Lamb Lies Down.” I was thinking of a twenty looks type of feature on TFK. Anyway, much to my surprise and happiness, I awoke and saw–in fact, the very first thing I saw upon awaking–an announcement for the new TFK album, Desolation Rose.
Maybe all of this is mere coincidence, but it just doesn’t feel that way. If you’re interested in some of my earlier thoughts on TFK, please go here.
So, for all kinds of reasons, I’m intrigued. For some reason, the album strikes me–at least from the description Stolt released–as a sequel of sorts to both Unfold the Future and Banks of Eden. Regardless, I’m already prepared to love the new album. Thank you, TFK. Long live progging Swedish hippies!!!
Official News Release, dated September 11, 2013
The artwork, once again created by Silas Toball, can be viewed above and the band had this to say about the forthcoming release:
“Being somewhat of a political statement, the epic theme of “Desolation Rose” is a logical step in a time where perpetual war, famine, environmental threats, religious conflicts dominate the media and our minds. This is a time to wake up and the music on this album takes you on a journey where you are forced to questions what the mainstream media feed us and to rethink your whole world view on all of the above. This is in many ways a typical Flower Kings album but we have also taken it into another realm where we do take chances and where you may struggle to get into the music – or the lyrics – but trust me when I say that you will be rewarded, as this may be our most involved, important and interesting album ever. “(Roine)
The track-listing for the album is as follows:
1 Tower ONE 13:39
2 Sleeping Bones 04:16
3 Desolation Road 04:00
4 White Tuxedos 06:30
5 The Resurrected Judas 08:24
6 Silent Masses 06:17
7 Last Carnivore 04:22
8 Dark Fascist Skies 06:05
9 Blood Of Eden 03:12
10 Silent Graveyards 02:52
Earlier this year, The Flower Kings embarked on a very special tour alongside Neal Morse & Mike Portnoy to celebrate InsideOutMusic’s 20th Anniversary, playing to sold out crowds across Europe and the US.
Look out for more information and videos in the coming weeks!
Pre Sale start soon at The Flower Kings web shop:
www.flowerkings.se
For more information visit:
www.flowerkings.se
http://www.facebook.com/TheFlowerKings
http://www.reverbnation.com/theflowerkings
http://www.myspace.com/cosmiclodge
Progarchy 
Hi Brad. I like the blog.
I love these chance coincidences as they leave us feeling that the universe has more connectivity than just a series of happy accidents. I know you’ve been thinking about TFK and Roine Stolt as well as the past. Of nothing else it reminds us just how important some music is to us as it bookmarks chapters in our lives, permanently intertwined with key moments. Stardust is special to me too. I just met my wife, as she was to
become and that was a major step and a happy 15 years since. I love the album as much as any in my collection.
As for the new one, I like a challenge and they need to do it, despite the quality we don’t really need just another TFK album.
So long as its not just heaviness!
LikeLike
Hi Brad. I like the blog.
I love these chance coincidences as they leave us feeling that the universe has more connectivity than just a series of happy accidents. I know you’ve been thinking about TFK and Roine Stolt as well as the past. If nothing else it reminds us just how important some music is to us as it bookmarks chapters in our lives, permanently intertwined with key moments. Stardust is special to me too. I just met my wife, as she was to
become and that was a major step and a happy 15 years since. I love the album as much as any in my collection.
As for the new one, I like a challenge and they need to do it, despite the quality we don’t really need just another TFK album.
So long as its not just heaviness!
LikeLike