The start of the year sees a new preview from Alek Szahala, after Rebirth of Maruuk and Iron Squid finally see a CD release on the Hakkapeliitta compilation, and once again it’s fabulous. If Alanara, Last of the Mohicans, and Lagas appear slightly more conventional (if still absolutely excellent), Voices of Babylon marks a return to the style of his older tracks. Indeed, Alek himself describes the tune as ‘Something between Maruuk and Balag Lamara’ (and if I understood/guessed correctly from his description on Klubitus, a bit of Iron Squid, too). Whatever the influences, the arrangement and melodies are almost beyond belief – although a few other artists have gained rather more exposure recently, VoB shows once again that Alek really does remain on a entirely different level.

Voices of Babylon can be found in the download section of Alek Szahala’s site.