The last time I reviewed a Mattsson cd (“War”, only months ago), I rated it with 1 out of 10 points. You can imagine my anxiety to review the man’s latest effort, the instrumental “Earthbound”. What you can’t imagine - something I didn’t held possible myself - is that I like “Earthbound” probably as much as I dislike “War”. Luckily Mattsson self came up with the explanation stating that ‘After finishing my progressive metal rock opera WAR early this year I felt the need to do something that was quite the opposite, so I took an almost minimalist approach and as opposed to what you hear on War’ .

This extraordinary instrumental album features Mattsson on electric guitars (including bass) and Eddie Sledgehammer on drums. On occasion keys are added. It’s amazing how something so plane, so simple can sound this good. Excellent melodies and truly progressive elements in perfect harmony resulting in real songs with clear structures and an excellent feel. “Earthbound” is full of beautiful soundscapes making this one definitely worth buying. A final note concerns the album cover: like the album, in one word beautiful.