Album Reviews

The Flower Kings “Love” Album Review by Jorge Pozo

Editorial Team

May 8, 2025

When a band like The Flower Kings returns with a new album, expectations are never low—especially when that band is led by a visionary like Roine Stolt. With over three decades of artistic exploration behind them and this being their 17th studio album, “Love” arrives not as a nostalgic look back but as a forward-looking celebration of everything that defines symphonic progressive rock. Coming just two years after By Royal Decree, this record doesn’t feel rushed—instead, it feels refined, as if years of musical wisdom have crystallized into a singular, colorful statement.

“Love” is ambitious, but not in the overly indulgent way that sometimes plagues prog. Rather than stuffing the album with 30-minute epics, The Flower Kings opted for a more concise format, delivering sprawling ideas in tighter packages. Still, this 71-minute record is not lacking in grandeur or depth. Tracks like “The Elder”, “We Claim The Moon”, and “Considerations” stretch into double-digit runtimes, offering plenty of breathing room for lush melodies and dazzling interplay.

From the very first moments of “We Claim The Moon”, it’s clear that this is no mere rehash of past glories. The track bursts with confidence, featuring intertwining vocals by Roine Stolt and Hasse Fröberg, who sound more energized than ever. The guitar work soars with intent, while the rhythm section—anchored by Michael Stolt on bass and Mirko DeMaio on drums—provides dynamic propulsion. It’s a thunderous opener that sets the stage beautifully.

The second track, “The Elder”, is a masterclass in progressive storytelling. Over 11 minutes, it takes us through several movements that never feel forced or stitched together. Lalle Larsson, the band’s relatively new keyboardist, proves his worth with glowing textures and solos that dance alongside Stolt’s emotive guitar leads. There’s an almost sacred patience to the song’s development—like watching a sunrise stretch slowly across a frozen landscape.

Perhaps the emotional core of the album is found in “How Can You Leave Us Now?”, a song of subtle power and melancholic beauty. It’s less about the technical wizardry (though that’s still present) and more about the sheer weight of emotion carried in the vocal lines. Michael Stolt’s bass and piano intro gives the track a spiritual grounding, while the lyrics linger long after the final note.

The instrumental “World Spinning” offers a delightful palate cleanser. Its retro-futuristic synth work feels like a love letter to classic Moog-driven prog, but it avoids being pastiche. It’s a short piece, but it signals a transition—ushering in the middle section of the album, which dives deeper into introspective territory. “Burning Both Edges” and “The Rubble” explore the themes of destruction and redemption with poetic lyricism and unpredictable arrangements.

What stands out most on “Love” is how coherent and deliberate everything feels. The sequencing has been carefully thought out, and the flow from track to track creates a cumulative impact. As the album moves toward its final act, tracks like “The Phoenix” and “The Promise” continue building thematic tension. Then, “Love Is”, “Walls of Shame”, and the finale “Considerations” tie it all together with dramatic crescendos, spiritual motifs, and some of the most majestic playing The Flower Kings have ever recorded.

“Considerations”, penned by Michael Stolt, deserves special mention—not just for its compositional strength but for how it functions as the emotional resolution to the album’s arc. From gospel-tinged vocal layers to soaring synth passages, it feels like the soundtrack to a personal awakening. By the end, one is left with a sense of hope, renewal, and a deeper appreciation for what “Love” attempts to convey.

One could argue that The Flower Kings wear their influences proudly—Yes, Genesis, ELP, and even Disney soundtracks echo in the margins—but that’s always been part of their charm. They don’t copy; they reimagine. What sets them apart on this record is how modern and vital it all sounds. There’s no fatigue here, no signs of autopilot. This is music created with purpose and passion.

My favorite tracks include “The Elder”, “How Can You Leave Us Now?”, and “Considerations”, though the entire album works best as one immersive listen. The band’s commitment to melody, musicianship, and message is unwavering, and with Lalle Larsson’s integration fully realized, their creative energy seems far from diminishing.

Rating: 8/10.