Embedded Files
AKTOR “Professori (Season Two)”
AKTOR “Professori (Season Two)”
By Colonel Angus
I can’t believe it has been a decade since I got into AKTOR with their “Paranoia” record. Professor Black’s other bands DAWNBRINGER and HIGH SPIRITS were my first introduction to his musical madness. With AKTOR, Black channels more of a BLUE OYSTER CULT sound and vibe where the others hit more of a NWOBHM feel and since I was a B.O.C. fan already, this was an easy band to get into.
That B.O.C. influence hits you right off the bat with “He Never Came Home”. Starting with some quirky riffing, the song could have easily found a home on some of those early B.O.C. records. Even Black’s vocal delivery has that same production and the guitar solo reminds me of Buck Dharma. Add to that, the song ends very abruptly as if the tape ended although I’m sure it was an intentional production choice. “Just One Hand” keeps the theme going with some very cool lyrics that really paint the story of the song. As with all of Black’s output, there is plenty of melody throughout the album and this song in particular.
The menacing “Nemesis” kicks in with a dark, ominous riff that immediately sets the tone and complements Black’s vocal delivery. There’s a definite latter-day BLUE OYSTER CULT flavor to the track with a moody, slightly cosmic atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh, yet it still contains that unmistakable AKTOR stamp heard throughout “Paranoia” and “Placebo”. The momentum continues with “Politics Politics,” a rocking witty number packed with memorable one-liners like “They’re coming for my job” and “Be careful where you dig and be sure that your shovel’s not too big.” These lyrics hit hard in today’s tense political climate. Thankfully, I’m glad that we don’t get more on that subject matter as I like to keep my music fun.
Keeping with the album’s offbeat charm, “Idiot Brother” turns up the energy and leans into its oddball lyrics. The track rocks harder than expected and contains some odd lyrics that reference the title of the song. It’s another reminder that beneath the band’s humor lies genuine talent for crafting infectious rock songs. The odd intro to “Another Piece” breaks up the rest of the material nicely without deviating too much from that AKTOR sound. “Too Close (Still Not Close Enough)” kicks in with a NWOBHM-inspired riff but the track doesn’t linger too long in that genre. Instead, it morphs into a glossy melodic rocker with all the hooks of 80s music. The result is a sound that broadens the album’s musical palette, adding a new element and keeping us listeners guessing as to what might come next.
As the record winds toward its conclusion, “Back on the Case” arrives with an energetic blend of influences with the sleek, melodic precision of ALDO NOVA mixed with the cosmic cool of BLUE OYSTER CULT. There is even a dash of HIGH SPIRITS in there to add more musical flavor. It’s a fun, driving track that manages to pay homage to its inspirations without feeling like a copy. The mood shifts again with “Children Always Know,” a brooding, atmospheric piece before giving way to the swaggering “Helicopter.” Sounding a bit more dated (in a good way), it is the kind of tune that would’ve comfortably worn the “heavy metal” label back in the day.
The album closes with “Bigger Picture,” a standout track that struts with confidence and attitude. Its swagger and rhythmic drive set it apart from everything that came before, yet it somehow ties the record. Each song carries its own personality but they all share one common creative vision. All in all, another great record from Black and company…but I don’t seem to recall a “Season One”.
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