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Here is a current Progressive rock line-up coming from Central Asia, and more precisely from the former Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan. "Sodom And Gomorra XXI - Progressive Symphonic Poem" (2002) is a modern symphony composed by AL-BIRD, aka the keyboards player Albert KHALMURZAYEV. This musician also plays in X-RELIGION, a trio with bassist Vitaly MENSHIKOV (ProgressoR Webmaster) and drummer Val VOROBIOV, who are also present here. The band performs a surprising rock symphony in four movements that show a cornucopia of references and inspirations. Their various keyboards, guitars and sampling are the basis used for a musical journey into modern music, progressive rock as well as electronic and even heavy metal. The listener can easily think of PINK FLOYD or EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER, or even some members of the Canterbury school. If many more influences can be found in this instrumental music full of different ambiences, breaks and contrasts and that also makes use of feminine vocal samples, the listener is invited to an impressive imaginary voyage. An album that is as ambitious in its conception as it is successful in its production.