Progressive Rock is a genre that takes some getting into, even more so than its metallic offspring; popularised with PINK FLOYD, listeners experience long songs with complicated lyrical themes, unorthodox time-signatures and unusual combinations of instruments and styles. It is aloof and forever evolving. ORNE put a modern twist on classic, 90s Prog Rock with abstract lyrical themes, interesting, unusual and yet catchy instrumentation, and... An album that just HAS to feature a song capping out at over 12 minutes

The first thing one will notice about "The Conjuration by the Fire" is that the songs are strange; it is clear that ORNE's brand of Prog Rock is, very much so, an acquired taste. Each of the 7 songs on this album is unique and progress (no pun intended, I swear) in different directions. "Into the Vault" is one of two things (ironically) essential to a Prog album; a lengthy, unusual opening track. It begins with a dramatic and borderline-cheesy spoken word passage depicting an obscure, occult ritual, which flows seamlessly into a soothing acoustic passage. Combined with the multitude of keys that this band comes with, it creates for us an effective catharsis, that leaves us prepared for what is to follow. "The Beginning" begins much as the opening track ended, and we hear for the first time, Sami's deep, dulcet tones. At this point, I am enjoying the smooth, soulful current the song is carrying. Then, unexpectedly (as you do, ye composers of Prog), a heavily distorted bass riff, such is commonly found in MUSE, leads us into an upbeat passage that yet again brings one back to PINK FLOYD. However, unlike the greats, Sami Albert's vocals are, unfortunately, beginning to sound annoying. Another short, peaceful interlude interjects for a time, and then pounds back the pesky chorus. Perhaps the album's weakest track, overall. "Anton" is unique, in that it breathes some strong stoner-rock influences into the music. It is an incredibly soothing, slow-mid tempo drawl; the combination of the clean leads and the wistful key work, and Albert's vocals now back to listenable, make for an incredibly relaxing afternoon laze. "Island of Joy" is an odd track; by this point, I am starting to notice predictability in the album's instrumentation; smooth, upbeat. Smooth, upbeat. That does not necessarily make it a bad track, although I am a firm believer in Prog rock abolishing any predictability. It once again features excellent vocals and unexpected crescendos and thickening of the timbre; I cannot explain why, but I am instantly reminded of TOOL, oddly enough. It is, alas, a good thing; one of my favorite tracks from this cascade of products of weird and wonderful minds. "Frontline Dreams" is very similar to the previous two, but the return to the BLACK SABBATH-like overdriven riffage is a pleasant experience.  "Opening by Watchtower" is a return to what makes progressive rock, progressive; ever-changing dynamics and arrangements, and a clever adoption of groovy, acoustic passages; I was never once able to tell where this song was headed. The final track, "Lighthouse", is the second of two things that a Prog album must contain; capping at 12 minutes long, it is the longest track on the album, and my personal favourite. Common maladies that plague Prog for inexperienced listeners is boredom that one can feel towards the unorthodox and unpredictable direction the music is taking. However, in this song, the transitions between 'scenes' are seamless and flawless, and there is never a dull moment. The vocals take a strange, almost metallic-turn, as if to project the elemental demons alluded to in the album's intro track. Albert's vocals start to alternate between his deep, smooth drawls and... Black Metal screams?! At this point, I am too lost in the song to care. The song ends in yet another spoken-word passage, leaving one utterly bemused, but helplessly interested.

I do not usually take much of an interest in classic Progressive Rock; my ears gravitate to heavier bands such as DREAM THEATER, SEVENTH WONDER and VANDEN PLAS. ORNE, however, a collection of eclectic Finns, is sure to open a gateway to a strange, sonic world. If you are a fan of Prog, you can appreciate what they have to offer. If not, it may come as somewhat of a wall of sound, with Albert's vocals verging on grating in parts.