Historically, Almora has been around in one form or another since 2001 when it was known as the Soner Canozer project. Canozer is generally considered to be the head Turk on the project and is listed as the musician in charge of range of instruments whose names I can only begin to decipher from the original Turkish. They do seem to include guitars, pianos, orchestrations and some other words whose meaning escapes me totally. But, given the final product, the guy clearly knows his craft.

But, back to the story, such as it is. The project released an EP and an album in the 2002 timeframe, both were well received and Almora became a concept throughout the Middle East. The debut was followed by the release of Kalihora’s Song in 2003, which helped further cement the group’s reputation. Then, in 2004, the group released Shehrazad and the band’s reputation went international. Music from this CD was found in efforts throughout the world, including Review of Dreams by the renowned Japanese musician Takarazuka. Another title was released in 2006 and was followed up by the title being reviewed here.

Kiyamet Senfonisi is described as a symphonic gothic production and makes use of a number of highly skilled musicians. Now exactly who does what is a little difficult to determine, especially the singing. I’ve watched them enough to know who usually does the singing, but I’m a little unsure of the names and the titles from the CD...and the written materials online and on the CD are pretty much Turkish. So, let’s go ahead and recognize that there appear to be some nine musicians and singers operating in one form or another on different titles within the CD. If you want to see them, YouTube has a number of clips including one of Shehrazad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELOPwcjzTNw&feature=related

And the aforementioned King Almora:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSh9vxXuE-Q

Both produced by www.turkcerock.net

The music from Kryamet Senfonisi is a little different from previous offerings from Almora. There tend to be more individual vocals over a more symphonic background than in previous titles. With almost a more traditional sound within the gothic atmospheric realm, The opening title, Ay Isigi Savascisi begins with a choral line over a symphonic background. It quickly moves to a metal sound, albeit a Middle Eastern metal sound, and then moves to the traditional Almora female vocals. And these vocals are first rate, as are all Almora vocals. Guitar work is also strong and is a staple of this and most songs on this work. The song vacillates between the choral vocals and the individual vocals...all in Turkish, of course.

The second song, the title track Kiyamet Senfonisi makes use of a piano line to introduce the work. However, Almora is a female vocalist’s delight, and this song spends little time before moving in that direction. It’s hard to make a comparison to any other singer since there is always that Middle Eastern tone to the music...and the singing. It’s operatic in some respects, always strong, and carries the music throughout the entirety of the presentation.

Su Masali takes the group in another direction. It is a ballad and one that really showcases the vocals. There is a haunting background music but it is, again, the vocals that carry the day. The musicians get a peace of the action but they are there to support the vocals.

There is a theme to Almora and that theme is pretty much representative of the music. The band recounts a story of Almora on their website, it’s a translation so there is the requirement to be flexible in the interpretation to English. However, it goes:

There was a place called the blue fairy tale country far, far away. There were only honest and proud man living in this country where the time was not running.

Almôra used to live in the city of Eznora. Since he was the oldest and the wisest poet of his country, they called him the Poet King Almôra. Children loved his stories most, echoed the streets of the city with his poems and songs allover.

When the sun has been down forever as to not rise anymore, the blue fairy tale country was pillaged and vanished. Forever darkness of treason came into the country of Almôra First the children stopped singing, then the wind fumed and its silhouette turned into a storm... The rain sulked and did not fall anymore... The blue fairy tale country was defeated to itself and the gates of time have been wide open now.

Almôra had to leave his country so passed through the gates of time.

... And the time began to run. While the night was coming down on Eznora slowly Almôra gave a last glance; he witnessed the vanishing of his country. Before, that is to say, when the time was not ruling the streets which were echoed with the songs full of enthusiasm and happiness were now silent and sullen under the invasion of a crimson wrath. Children’s dreams were faded away with the hopes written on the stones of pavements.

... He turned his eyes towards the horizon. Time would not wait for anybody; now it’s his time to go. His stories, songs and heart had not betrayed to him yet... He still could start once again. Every end was a beginning and the new beginnings were only for the courageous people.

For all who’s standing still, no matter what.

Almora is a beautiful interpretation of an historic perspective. You may not understand the lyrics on this presentation, but the story is one that is clearly presented, no matter what the language. And the telling is a joy to behold.

9 / 10