The multi-instrumentalist Robert Burger alias The Gak Omek, carries on experimenting. After the heavy space rock on last year’s Alien Eye, he now approaches symphonic rock. "All-Powerful Light Beings" is described on Gak Omek’s website as "a progressive rock interpretation of ancient and modern mysteries". An ambitious objective which perfectly matches the atmosphere of the album.

The heavy, dark guitar still characterizes The Gak Omek, but the music has become slightly more melodic, a fact which emphasizes the feeling that The Gak Omek is moving towards classic prog. The 10 minute "Apparations Of Departed Human Personalities" is partly almost naivistic Genesis-like pop, and on "Radio Hypnotic Intracerebral Control", the style is mixed with light and fast, distinctly Crimson-inspired guitars. "Dance Of The Nine Unknown Men" has a subdued and slightly oriental atmosphere. In spite of these different directions, All-Powerful Light Beings is less floating than the Ozric inspired Alien Eye. The music is more concentrated and purposeful. Judging from the album’s description, it sounds like a concept album, and Burger appears very aware of this. He could have made the album even more concentrated, but he is surely moving in the right direction.

Prog fans who wish to explore The Gak Omek is recommended to start with this album rather than Alien Eye.

© 2006 Tarkus Magazine

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