Meet The Flower Kings DVD

 FLOWER KINGS: a Must for any Prog Rock Lover!!!
It's been a long time since I've heard any new music that really grabbed me and carried me away like I used to be taken when I was much younger. Although the Flower Kings are by no means a new band, they're new too me and give me the same sensation I used to get thirty-something years ago when I discovered some new and priceless musical treasure. Their lyrics can seem a bit trite at times, but there's a spirit that comes through that can't be diminished by the sometimes awkwardness which comes from writing in a language that is not one's own. The "Flower Kings" music defies pigeon holing and though many of their musical influences are apparent in their music, it still remains fundamentally and vitally their own. Each player is a virtuoso and their versatility within an eclectic mix of style and genre is unsurpassable. The Video itself is home grown in presentation yet captures the intimacy of a small club setting with virtually no theatrics or props save a few lighting effects. The music stands on it's own and can be enjoyed by musicians and lay people alike. I myself would travel miles to see this band and am at this time planning a trip-most likely to Europe-to witness their majesty.
Submitted by rkeolam (Eden Prairie, MN, USA) 
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 A must needed DVD
I would only say this: This is an Epics long Lasting Songs DVD. That's the way Progressive Rock was intended to be. Thank you Flower Kings for bringing back the feeling. Excellent and professional quality.
Submitted by torasec (Las Vegas, NV, USA.) 
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 the best progressive rock dvd of all time
Flower Kings' studio albums are not "perfect" (except maybe for "Space Revolver"). I mean, almost all of them include great pieces, but some poor songs too. But the playlist of this cd/dvd is very close to perfection (i only miss "I Am the Sun"). "The Truth Will Set You Free" is as brilliant as the studio version, "Garden of Dreams" is a lot better than the original, but the most amazing of all this epics is the closing "Stardust We Are", the studio version is fantastic, but this one shows an admirable re-arrange effort from Roine Stolt and his court: simply one of the 5/10 top progressive long epics of all time (70's included). The performances also deserve similar praises, istrumentally and vocally amazing (this cannot have been played live!). And what to say about the cameras and lights? a glorius visual work! "Meet The Flower Kings" is a must have in any progressive rock collection.
Submitted by ezequiel epic rocker (nurserycrimson (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
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 Meet the amazing Flower Kings live
The Flower Kings have staked claim to the title of best progressive rock band of the last decade, and "Meet the Flower Kings" only serves to confirm how justified that title is. Recorded at the State Theatre in the band's base of Uppsala, Sweden on February 10, 2003, "Meet the Flower Kings" captures the quintet (augmented by eccentric percussionist Hasse Brunissuon and guitarist/vocalist Daniel Gildenlow of Pain of Salvation)at their best, playing a handful of their finest epic compositions with near-perfection. "The Truth Will Set You Free" may well be the best prog epic of all time, and the FKs' ability to reproduce this 30-minute composition in live performance is testament to their magnificence. Guitarist-vocalist-songwriter Roine Stolt is 3rd Wave prog's MVP, and his guitar work on this piece and others is inspired. He seems to be channeling David Gilmour, Allan Holdsworth, and Frank Zappa through his own distinct sensibility, and it is something to see and hear. I would argue that he is the most versatile and tasteful guitarist playing today. The Kings also pull off superior versions of 1998's "Garden of Dreams," 1994's "Humanizzimo," and their most popular piece, 1997's "Stardust We Are." A ferocious rendition of "Silent Inferno" (from 2002's "Unfold the Future") is another standout. The recording quality on the CDs is jaw-droppingly pristine and rich. The cinematography on the DVD is generally outstanding, capturing the band in their element. It really is something to watch bassist Jonas Reingold play so inventively while making it look so easy, and drummer Zoltan Csorz brings a strong jazz approach to the band's recent material. Keyboard maestro Tomas Bodin (whose recent solo album, "Sonic Boulevard" is outstanding in its own right) and "rock star" guitarist/vocalist Hasse Froberg complete the picture (and sound). This CD/DVD is a must-have for any Flower Kings fan and will serve as an impressive introduction to those who are curious about this band who have brilliantly retooled the influences of Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Frank Zappa, and delivered them into the 21st century. Once you "meet the Flower Kings," you are likely to become very fond of them. Their body of work in the last decade may be the most impressive in all of contemporary music.
Submitted by a reviewer (Bakersfield, CA, USA) 
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This review is for a different format.

 You're going to love this!
Since I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing TFK live, this DVD is a major treat. Fans already know these guys are amazing, and the proof is evident in this performance. Don't think twice, just buy this right now. Musically it is incredibly strong, the audio mix is great, the camera work is good, however there is one slight weakness; and that is the video post-production. Don't get me wrong, the quality is good, but not quite as superb as the content. The overall look is fine, but there are some minor imperfections. I kind of expected an epic DVD production to match the music, but that's okay, as I realize that TFK has not yet made it to mega-stardom, and probably couldn't swing the Hollywood quality treatment. I really love what these guys are doing, and to see it is wonderful! Highly recommended!
Submitted by a reviewer (West Palm Beach FL, USA) 
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