Three years after “Beyond the Dystopia,” Finnish band Octopie returns with “Green Divine,” an ambitious and multifaceted double album released by Eclipse Music. With this new work, the band fully embraces a visionary and Avant-Garde approach, blending classic Progressive Rock influences with theatrical elements, Chamber Music touches, and bold Experimentation. The double-disc structure allows the group to explore a wide range of stylistic directions while maintaining narrative coherence and a strong sonic identity. The album opens with “Dirt and Soil,” a richly orchestrated instrumental piece dominated by Symphonic textures and keyboard layers. It slowly immerses the listener into Octopie’s complex and immersive sound world, setting the tone for what’s to come. “The Beauty of Our Minds” shifts the pace with a shorter, more song-oriented structure. The expressive and dynamic vocals — at times verging on operatic — are supported by intricate keyboard passages and tasteful guitar solos. The result is a refined blend of melody and sophistication. “The Harbingers” is one of the highlights of the first disc, opening with operatic choral vocals that soon intertwine with a powerful lead voice. The composition elegantly bridges theatrical drama and Experimental Prog textures, showcasing the band’s refined compositional and technical skill. “Paris Boy” begins with an elaborate acoustic guitar motif, joined by percussions and a deep, technically adept bassline. The track gradually builds, embracing Experimental territory while maintaining emotional intensity. Winds and keyboards provide vivid solo passages, enriching the arrangement with finesse. “I Hold a Letter” brings forward a more energetic direction, combining modern Prog Rock with avant-garde elements. Solo vocals and choral segments interact seamlessly, while the band navigates through shifting time signatures and instrumental solos that elevate the music to another level. With “Green Love,” Octopie distill their stylistic essence. It’s an explosive mix of fast-paced rhythms, complex arrangements, and expressive vocals, wrapped in a high-octane performance. Constant time changes and intricate musical ideas unfold with precision, including a striking drum solo in the second half. After the intensity of the previous track, “How High Can Man Be” takes a gentler, more atmospheric route. Symphonic layers and delicate vocal melodies lead to a crescendo that brings back progressive themes, bridging past and present influences with the band’s unique twist. Disc two opens with “The Spells They Cast,” a short operatic interlude centered on the vocals — a brief yet impactful moment that nods to classical and theatrical traditions. “Summer Is Here” explores more complex and Experimental landscapes, with a rhythm section in constant evolution. Intricate interplay between winds, guitar, and keyboards provides a colorful backdrop for the expressive vocals, crafting a rich and engaging sonic narrative. With “Dollar City Blues,” the band presents a creative reinterpretation of Blues Rock through a Prog and Experimental lens. Prominent organ and horns build a solid groove, while the gritty, aggressive vocals bring a powerful edge. Guitar riffs and vocal-instrumental dialogues round out the track with conviction. “Rockets and Dreams” returns to a more traditional Progressive Rock setting, albeit filtered through Octopie’s distinct style. The flute takes the spotlight, weaving through elaborate time changes and harmonizing with guitar and keys in elegant interplay. “Do It Better,” at just 1:34, is the shortest track on the album — a melancholic piano-and-voice piece that offers a moment of introspection and emotional depth. The title-track “Green Divine” closes the album with a progressive crescendo that draws together many of the themes introduced throughout the work. It’s a strong, cohesive finale that leaves the listener with a lingering sense of curiosity and the desire to revisit the journey once more. “Green Divine” is an expansive and courageous statement from Octopie — one that pushes the boundaries of traditional Prog without losing sight of songcraft or emotional impact. Rich in detail, theatrical flair, and musical ambition, it stands as a mature and compelling work. A highly recommended listen for fans of the more adventurous and Expeimental side of Progressive Rock.
Tracklist
01. Dirt and Soil (06:00)
02. The Beauty of Our Minds (03:54)
03. The Harbingers (07:31)
04. Paris Boy (06:42)
05. I Hold a Letter (04:26)
06. Green Love (07:43)
07. How High Can Man Be (05:59)
08. The Spells They Cast (02:11)
09. Summer Is Here (07:52)
10. Dollar City Blues (07:19)
11. Rockets and Dreams (03:12)
12. Do It Better (01:34)
13. Green Divine (03:49)
Lineup
Tom Tamlander / Bass, Vocals, Flute
Alex Mikkola / Guitars
Axel Thesleff / Keyboards
Petteri Kontio / Drums, Percussion
Sauli Meilähde / Horns (Trumpet and other Brass Instruments)
[…] [REVIEW] [VIDEO REVIEW] […]