\u201cMonsters From The Id\u201d is the logical realization of Craven\u2019s musical trajectory thus far. It\u2019s an album of two halves, each containing a traditional progressive rock \u201cepic\u201d the length of a side of vinyl. The two pieces comprise flowing parts and movements with both rock and Hans Zimmer-esque orchestral arrangements, punctuated by Ben’s distinctive lead guitar and vocals. Yet the album is predominantly instrumental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLyrics are incredibly important to me,\u201d explains Craven, \u201cbut this music was not driven by words or language. It\u2019s pure other-worldly escapism. It\u2019s playing dress-up, wanting to make the world look much bigger than it seems right now, trying to recall the feeling that anything is possible, no matter how unlikely that might be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visually, the album cover is a treat, featuring breathtaking artwork by Freyja Dean adorning the triple gatefold CD\/DVD wallet. Sonically, things are equally ambitious. A 5.1 surround mix is included on the DVD, while both stereo and surround versions are available for digital download in 24-bit 96kHz high resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For downloaders, Craven is offering unique optional extras he hopes will help personalize the experience. \u201cI\u2019ll personally dedicate and hand-sign a digital version of the album cover, creating a one-of-a-kind image. And for good measure I\u2019ll also send you an individualized thank-you video! There are no NFTs here, just unique digital offerings for anyone who wants them. Downloading music can feel like a detached, intangible activity for both parties. This is one way of bringing the human element back into it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ben Craven is a cinematic progressive-rock artist from Brisbane, Australia. He likes to make records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His 2011 album, \u201cGreat & Terrible Potions\u201d, blurred the boundaries between conventional songs and orchestral soundtracks. Augmented by a stunning cover designed by legendary artist Roger Dean (Yes, Asia, Steve Hackett), \u201cPotions\u201d was dense, complicated and unashamedly pretentious. That is, everything a good prog rock album should be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2016\u2019s \u201cLast Chance To Hear\u201d was a triumphant masterpiece of progressive rock. Expanding upon Craven\u2019s one-person musical palette, the album featured legendary Star Trek actor William Shatner providing spoken-word vocals for the track \u201cSpy In The Sky\u201d. Meanwhile, the album\u2019s opener, \u201cCritical Mass\u201d, went on to win the 2016 Australian Independent Music Award for Best Instrumental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what the press has raved about Ben Craven’s releases:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHeavy-duty prog rock monster\u201d – Anil Prasad, Innerviews<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCracking virtuoso performance by an absurdly talented individual\u201d – Classic Rock Society<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCraven\u2019s one-man-band production is a prog opus for the 21st century\u201d \u2013 Musoscribe<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPress play and this album does the rest\u201d \u2013 Muzikreviews<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Track list:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 01 Die Before You Wake [19:32]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 02 Amnis Flows Aeternum [19:11]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 03 Die Before You Wake (Single Edit) [4:47]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 04 Wicked Delights (Single Edit) [2:40]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 05 Guiding Voice (Single Edit) [3:31]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 06 Amnis Flows Aeternum (Single Edit) [4:51]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus DVD includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 main album audio in 5.1 surround (DTS 96\/24) Release Date: May 6, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CD\/DVD pre-order:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Europe: https:\/\/justforkicks.de<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n North America: https:\/\/thebandwagonusa.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 main album audio in high resolution stereo (24-bit PCM)
\u2022 Single Edit videos in 5.1 surround (DTS 96\/24)<\/p>\n\n\n\n