To say this disc would be as good as the band's debut would be saying a lot. The first one offered a variety of styles. The album as a whole made ultra-high marks. The fact the project was a solo effort by a bass player made the stellar quality of the end product nothing short of a mind-bender. After enjoying the main course with the conceptual opening leading into the killer title track, there were many desserts to follow. Is Wheel of Life as good as the first? To answer the million-dollar question, it is undoubtedly as good if not better. There is no question that Jonas Reingold can lay down the heavy licks. This is seen in other projects such as Opus Atlantica, Time Requiem, and Richard Andersson's Space Odyssey. A touch of this intensity made it into the debut album, which provided a bridge between both ends of the spectrum. While some encouraged melding these styles, many loyal followers from The Flower Kings' camp were not all that keen on the metal influences. On Karmakanic's second time out, the album sounds a lot more progressive than before. Something tells me that this will be much to the liking of The Flower Kings' fans. It will be less of a jump for them than it had been to the first album. Actually, it will seem more like a step closer to home base and may even appeal most to Transatlantic fans.

The album continues with the signature sound developed in the debut while still managing to journey into brand-new territory. It is innovative in its own way and is nothing short of amazing. This has become an instant favorite of mine. It is one of the best albums I've ever encountered and gets better with every spin. After each track I cannot decide if I want to hear the last one again or move onto the next. It creates a serious fork in the road because all paths seem to lead to the promise land. The highlights are spread evenly throughout the album. Same as the first, there is a focus on quality over quantity. Every inch of every song is done to perfection. Vocalists trade off. Goran Edman sings superb. There are some female voices too. In one case there is even a baby cooing. The noodling is there at times, but stops long before it becomes redundant.

There is no effort needed to keep your mind alert for what comes next. A sense of balance is maintained between the songs. At ease with your surroundings, every step takes you further along while drifting in and out of consciousness. Each exploit throughout Wheel of Life is no less than a surreal experience. Several attempts may be needed to fully absorb the meaning behind the thoughtful words and emotional instrumentals. The music has many complexities and layers that are easy to miss on the first go around. There are many hidden instances of heavenly delight that will send shivers up the spine when found. Once the special moments sink in, the experience is sheer ecstasy. While every song has some of this magic, the tracks that most prominently conceal their charm are "At the Speed of Light" and "Where the Earth Meets the Sky." These are bona fide works of genius. These impressions are made with each rotation of the wheel.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2004 Year Book Volume 1 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.