Germany's ORDEN OGAN formed in 1996 as a death / black metal sort of affair, and to date they've produced only a few demos and some compilation appearances. The band remains unsigned at this point. For those stuffy critic-types that feel a band must have three or four full-length releases, with unified artwork and the "right image" to create a magnum opus, I offer this CD. "Testimonium AD" is the classiest, most organic and immediately likeable traditional or progressive metal album I've heard in years. The sound is so distinctly European, so seamless and timeless in its execution and composition, it seems unthinkable that this band hasn't been churning out albums for decades.

According to their website, the name ORDEN OGAN has something to do with musical inspiration causing sheep to fly or something like that. Now, I was a German major in college (seriously!) but I'd be lying if I said I knew or understood anything about the "Order of Ogan". But I know that this album is a must-have for any fan of THE GATHERING, SARACEN, or more obscure stuff like GALLOW'S POLE. Six musicians, two guitar players, violins, flutes, the works. But not for a single moment does this music sound pretentious. No female lead vocalist either. Instead, we are treated to the warm, assuring midrange of Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann, whose gorgeous pipes could turn the sound of even the most generic NWOBHM-style band into solid gold. The disc has so many great moments that I could probably do a track-by-track review, but it wouldn't be fair to bore you like that. The galloping lead melodies in "Ethereal Ocean" recall classic WARLORD moments. The headbanging Euro-riff delight of "Angels of War" hooks you immediately, dragging you helplessly along its currents, eventually pouring you into a warm tributary of harmonized choruses and flute accompaniment. But before you have time to settle in, another speeding tempo change reminiscent of a classic OVERDRIVE record sends you speeding along with gutsy guitar solos. The final track is far and away my favorite, "The Step Away". The arrangement in this track just shines with the timelessness and beauty of a diamond heirloom; just as ravishing with blue jeans as with a formal gown. The track sort of swells in an orchestral way from acoustic to clean guitars to glowing female choral harmony. Stylistically, it actually reminded me more than once of the elegance and beauty of GENESIS' "Foxtrot" record, as did many other parts of the disc.

Obviously this is not just an excellent metal release, but also a real triumph of a rock record. We've all heard so many bands playing this style attempting to produce something this well-conceived and perfectly performed, that it is easy to become jaded. "Testimonium AD" will breathe the life back into your tired ears in a matter of minutes. The bottom line is, this thing is so gorgeous, sophisticated, and European, James Bond would probably sleep with it.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.ordenogan.de

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