If, like me, your school reports always seemed to include the phrase ‘could do better’, you may be able to identify with this review. Karmakanic’s first two albums, unlike me, showed great potential but you always knew and hoped that they could go further, and, yes, do even better.

With this latest album, Who’s The Boss In The Factory, they have done just that. The progressive rock band from Malmo, Sweden formed in 2002. Their debut album Entering The Spectra earned them the ‘Best Newcomer’ award in progressive rock polls.

Bassist and keyboard player, Jonas Reingold, and drummer Zoltan Csorsz are both also members of The Flower Kings. They worked together on one of the bands most successful albums Unfold The Future. Karmakanic is completed by the impressive, often understated vocals of Göran Edman, and Krister Jonsson on guitar.

In 2003 they released a second Karmakanic album, the highly impressive, Wheel Of Life. This marked a further step along their journey with music that has been compared to Yes, Dream Theatre, and several other notable names.

That progress continues with Who’s The Boss In The Factory. Taking us off into the realms of adventure that is modern progressive music they successfully add an emotional depth that is enhanced by superb musicianship and a sense of direction. There are some inevitable shades resulting from The Flower Kings connection that sit alongside some interesting, expertly presented, and subtle, jazz styling.

The album is made all the richer for the inclusion of the simply superb two part track, “Eternally”. The musicianship on this near ten minute piece is nothing short of exceptional and the extended instrumental sections are a blend of styles and direction that maintains interest and fascination.

“Eternally Part 1” opens with a gorgeous near classical piano. When the vocals eventually appear in “Part 2” the music is further enhanced by the addition of Lelo Nika’s atmospheric accordion. Suddenly it is if as though all that early promise shown by the band has arrived together to create a track of huge substance and undeniable quality.

There is a care and precision to the track that separates the band's musical ability above and beyond many of their contemporaries. There are classical elements, a superbly constructed mid section, underlined by an imaginative use of instrumentation, all of which is played to perfection.