The Chronicles of Father Robin: “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book 3: Magical Chronicle (Ascension)” (2023) – Album Review

Summary

“The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book 3: Magical Chronicle (Ascension)” concludes The Chronicles of Father Robin’s symphonic prog odyssey, a three-volume cycle deeply rooted in folklore, mythology, and fantasy. The album, a culmination of a 30-year dream, invites listeners to embark on a beautifully produced journey of discovery, grandeur, and reflection.

Introduction

Oh boy, here we are at the final volume, and I’m even more excited for this one.

Now I’m not exactly sure how The Chronicles of Father Robin pinged my radar, but they’ve certainly earned their place. This Norwegian prog-rock supergroup features members of Wobbler, Tusmørke, The Samuel Jackson Five, and Jordsjø. And as many fellow prog nerds have noticed, recently Norwegian prog has experienced an upswing of incredible music, and fans are eagerly embracing the surge.

Admittedly, when the project was announced, I was only familiar with Wobbler, as they remain one of my favorite new bands of the last 15 years. Nonetheless, once I heard about The Chronicles of Father Robin and their 30-years-in-the-making upcoming three-volume release The Songs & Tales of Airoea, my interest couldn’t have been more stoked. The website promised an epic 18-track sojourn rooted in fantasy novels, mythology, folk tales, and of course classic prog, folk, and rock music.

The story and music germinated out of decades of friendship, music, love of genre, personal growth, and endless conversation. As such, the band recorded The Songs & Tales of Airoea over many years, starting way back in the late 2000s. This project was truly a labor of love for all parties involved, a dedication to a dream and vision that generated and pivoted organically over many years and multiple band members.

And to kick the project off the ground, the band crowdfunded the album’s creation and successfully met their fundraising goal. With a limited edition box set of 500 copies funded and produced (with three colored vinyl LPs, maps, hi-res downloads, an illustrated booklet, and other goodies), The Songs & Tales of Airoea boxed set was released in July 2023. Individual releases of each of the album’s three volumes are scheduled to follow soon after, starting with Book 1: The Tale of Father Robin (State of Nature) set for release on September 15th, 2023.

While I am reviewing each volume individually, it behooves me to mention that this is a singular project that tells a complete tale. In other words, consider each volume an album side from a single album, rather than distinct, individual releases. Or two album sides, if you’re listening to vinyl.

So with that being said, let’s soar through sky-palaces and the totality of existence itself with Book 3: Magical Chronicle (Ascension).

Story Recap

Here’s a quick recap of where we are in the story. In Book 1, Father Robin has awoken the day and traveled through Eleision Forest, commiserating with the fantasy creatures in the Kingdom of Trees and the River Kingdom. As the season changes during a great feast, unknown forces invade, shroud the Forest in darkness, and the Fair Maiden is abducted. While searching for her, Robin encounters a gloomy new land and feels himself devolve, his memories fading, his sense of identity drifting away. He calls out for Tira the unicorn, who rescues and delivers him through the Gates of Dawn and into her kin’s domain.

In Book 2, Robin recovers from in Tira’s unicorn realm. She takes him to his birthplace in the Sea of Ayrouhr, where the children of Orias take him to the roots of the Mother Tree at the bottom of the ocean. He confers with The Council of What To Do?, comprised of elder beings who never left the water. He then finds himself in a haze, riding on the back of Oyriathan, a giant turtle who remembers Robin from when he was a young ocean creature. An alluring lady of the sea beckons him further along, and Robin soon encounters odd, protean birdlike creatures up along the branches of the sea trees. Finally, he reaches a volcanic island, where the angry natives capture Robin and throw him into a crater.

Still with me? Good! Let’s see how The Chronicles of Father Robin drive the story to its conclusion.

Review

While Book I: The Tale of Father Robin (State of Nature) establishes the narrative tone of Airoea, and Book 2: Ocean Traveller (Metamorphosis) expands this universe while deepening the mystery, then Book 3: Magical Chronicle (Ascension) obliterates the narrative entirely. That is to say, Father Robin’s story isn’t left in an unresolved state instead, Book 3 reveals this chronicle to be driven by myth and allegory; perhaps a musical contemplation on the Bhavachakra, the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, staged in ornate yet recognizable fantasy tropes.

Which is all well and good, but how does the music measure up?

“Magical Chronicle”

A dramatic rescue! Or quirk of good luck! Instead of plummeting to his doom, Father Robin is saved by landing on a rising plant tower. Inside one of its rooms, he discovers and reads a tome that holds the secrets of all time, creation, and evolution, as birthed by the Empress of the Sun.

Accordingly, a gentle pastoral opening of guitar, flute, and soft vocal harmonies introduces “Magical Chronicle”, a pleasing, proggy, but subdued track for an opener. It quickly picks up into a mid-tempo shuffle that evokes Robin’s curiosity and discovery. The oblique time signature and herky-jerky structure display elements of shock and surprise, before moving into a mid-song segment of flute, bass, and high-hat representing illumination and learning. A church-organ-styled finish adds a flair of divinity to the revelation. The ascension has begun.

“Skyslumber”

Father Robin finds himself walking among the clouds, navigating the cloud landscape with ease. He dreams of golden flying birds, following them with hopes of finding the Empress’s sky-palace. Another step, perhaps, towards enlightenment and understanding.

“Skyslumber” opens atmospherically, as if to underscore this dreamlike environment. The synths and effects exude a slow, ethereal quality, reminiscent of a soul not quite adrift, yet still drifting. A captivating guitar line introduces and is repeated under the verses, reinforced by a punchy bass accompaniment that adds a layer of verisimilitude to the dreamy quality. As I listened to this track I was reminded of The Police or perhaps Sting’s jazzier solo material; similar vocal range, yes, but also playful and melodic as it bends and shifts with its progressive elements.

“Cloudship”

Is Robin still dreaming, or has he awoken? Does it even matter? He lands on the deck of a ship soaring through the clouds, and here we discover our first indication of Robin’s cyclical journey. Driven by horse and dragon, the ship collects the dying night embers of an old sun and delivers them to ignite the new sun of morning. Meanwhile, the Palace of the Sun looms larger and closer…

We’re going to church here. “Cloudship” retains that dreamy atmosphere from the previous track. Drenched in mellotrons, synths, and folksy acoustic guitar, the song opens with lush vocal melodies and a soothing sense of musical purpose. Even the spoken word segment, which could have come off somewhat wonky if handled without finesse, is a particularly pleasing sermon, or perhaps a proclamation, expressing joy and delight at the rebirth of the sun.

“Empress of the Sun”

Father Robin arrives at Eshara, the Palace of The Sun, where at last he encounters The Empress. Here he becomes aware of the nature of time and creation, and realizes his function as Prince of the Day, the Bringer of Morning, is a theatrical role he plays in a grand pageantry. The Empress of the Sun facilitates the entire affair, ensuring balance in all existence.

“Empress of the Sun” is the only uptempo ‘rock’ song, and at four minutes in length it’s the shortest track in this volume (save for the epilogue). It’s an agreeable number that adds a bit of bite and thunder to the proceedings. It does feel a little incongruous alongside this volume’s thoughtful, almost worshipful tableaux of music. Still, it’s a fun prog rocker that steers us towards the conclusion, and you can’t miss the echoes of Ray Manzarek during the instrumental midsection.

“Lost in the Palace Gardens”

After dancing with his sister, the Moon Princess, Father Robin enters the palace’s maze gardens. Aware of his role in the grand cosmic scheme, Robin embraces existence and becomes one with universal totality. The river flows, and the wheel turns.

There’s a Zeppelin quality to the first segment (The Tree Herd & The Moon Princess) of “Lost in the Palace Gardens”. Indeed, the prominent mandolin, acoustic guitar foundation, percussive drumming, and melodic bass line could have germinated right out of side 2 of Led Zeppelin III. These light and shadow elements dance beautifully with the 3/4 time, beckoning us to join Robin and the Moon Princess in their waltz.

It’s an absolutely enchanting beginning, ushering us into part 2 (Within The Maze Garden) with a harmonic haze. The music takes a more electric turn, with organs and guitars adding muscle and depth to the presentation. There is an acceptance of transformation as Robin ascends to his role, exemplified by the layered vocal lines and driving instrumentation. The volume ebbs and flows as the track reaches its conclusion, evoking echoes of primal truths reverberating throughout time. Fate, as always, is inexorable.

“The Great Storm”

The album closes with the sounds of chirping birds, thunder and rainfall, fierce winds blowing menacingly, and ocean waves crashing against the shore. Maybe there’s a hint of footsteps present. Has Father Robin returned from the sea to be reborn on land and deliver the new day? Or have we completed the album cycle, arriving just before the seafaring “The Prologue” from Book I, thus becoming part of Robin’s journey as well?

And In Closing

Thus ends The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book 3: Magical Chronicle (Ascension), and as such thus ends the entire three-album project from The Chronicles of Father Robin. As a 30-year dream realized, this album is entirely commendable. One can’t help but admire the end result of friendship, time, artistry, creativity, imagination, and music.

As storytelling, The Songs & Tales of Airoea leaves the listener with quite a bit of unpacking to do. I will be the first to admit that, without the full set of annotations included in the booklet, my interpretation of this epic tale would have been significantly different. And I’m not even sure my take is still in any way accurate. And that’s OK too. With each observation, great art should always prompt the beholder to reevaluate their perceptions.

Still, if you’re looking for the kind of story in which Father Robin quests for the Enchanted Nunchakus of Righteous Indignation at the bottom of some treacherous ocean, musters a unicorn cavalry with a rousing speech, storms the Sky Palace whilst riding on the back of a golden dragon, and rescues the Fair Maiden from the clutches of the evil and vindictive Sun Empress? You may be a little disappointed therein. The tale presented here, as mentioned above, is more allegorical than plot-driven. Less James Cameron, more Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Lastly, The Songs & Tales of Airoea stands as a heartfelt ode to classic symphonic prog, but not as a pastiche of past musical triumphs. You can hear all the nods to classic Yes, ELP, Genesis, Jethro Tull, and so forth throughout each of the three volumes. However, while these influences and stylistic elements are present, they cull together to birth something expansive, imaginative, and new. The album is beautifully produced and musically diverse, rich with thoughtful expression and innovative compositions, providing a feast for lovers of melody, adept composition, and poetic lyricism.

So yeah, thus ends The Chronicle of Father Robin’s The Songs & Tales of Airoea. But like the titular character, I’m drawn to repeat the cycle all over again. It provided me with a profound musical journey of pleasure and reflection, one I was delighted to undertake.

Continue our album review journey through Airoea!

What similar albums does ChatGPT recommend?

While it behooves me to remind my readers that every word you just read is 100% Mills, let’s ask our friendly neighborhood AI for some similar album recommendations.

Coma Ecliptic – Between the Buried and Me (2015) A theatrical journey through various realms of consciousness, “Coma Ecliptic” is a concept album that delves into the story of a man stuck in a coma, journeying through his past lives. With its progressive metal leanings, cinematic storytelling, and intricate musicianship, it’s an album that promises an experience, making it ideal for fans of intricate narratives and multi-faceted instrumentation.

Malina – Leprous (2017) Blending their progressive metal roots with experimental elements, Leprous delivered “Malina” – an album that captivates with its emotional depth, dynamic shifts, and memorable melodies. With its emotive landscapes and impressive vocal work, the record draws listeners into its distinct universe, making it perfect for those who appreciate both story-driven content and layered instrumentation.

In Contact – Caligula’s Horse (2017) Caligula’s Horse has a knack for creating engrossing stories accompanied by gripping music. “In Contact” revolves around the themes of art, creation, and the human experience. With its compelling narrative coupled with stellar guitar work, rhythm dynamics, and evocative vocals, this album offers a captivating journey for listeners.

Empath – Devin Townsend (2019) A sonic exploration of various facets of humanity, “Empath” is a testament to Townsend’s vast musical palette. From serene, atmospheric moments to grand orchestral passages, the album is a diverse experience that showcases Devin’s eclectic approach to music. For fans looking for a rich, multi-genre experience deeply rooted in prog, this record stands out.

Love, Fear and the Time Machine – Riverside (2015) Riverside’s “Love, Fear and the Time Machine” is a beautifully crafted album, balancing melancholic moods with progressive rock elements. As the album delves into themes of change, memory, and the passage of time, it engages listeners with its emotive storytelling, lush instrumentation, and evocative soundscapes. A great fit for anyone drawn to introspective, narrative-driven music.

Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to Mills on 30 August 2023.