Sometimes I come across music that I have little to do with, yet I do not reject it.
In this case, it is progressive metal rock. It is first and foremost rock music, and therefore not inherently unsympathetic to me.
RATKEN is a band founded by Klaus Henatsch (formerly of Nektar and New Nektar). RATKEN has made it their mission to not only express their own creativity but also to keep the musical legacy of Roy Albrighton (the late singer and guitarist of Nektar who passed away in 2016) alive.
The album is called “Our House” and already hints at something that is reflected in the nine songs of the album.
The world!
The world is our common house.
In order for the house, the world, not to fall apart, it is important to make good, wise decisions and to slow down the development we have been experiencing for years, ideally steering it in a different direction. This is made very clear in the lyrics of “Wake Up Call” as well as in “House’s on Fire” and “The Seed.”
Musically, there is little to criticize. The musicians of RATKEN are all very experienced, master their instruments extremely well, and know what they want. So it is no surprise that the recording is of the highest quality. Even on inexpensive playback devices, the sound is really great. On good systems, the music reveals its full power. It is simply a pleasure to listen to what RATKEN has put together here. It is progressive rock with a fitting, light touch of metal.
“Our House” sounds seamless.
RATKEN has released an almost epic work here, which does not get lost in the music but also presents unusually clear lyrics that are meant to resonate with us all.
Fans of this music will greatly appreciate RATKEN and “Our House.”
