Record Reviews

AISLES ~ THE YEARNING MYLODON 031 (Barcode: 3426300045843) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 1st album by the excellent Chilean Prog group AislesFind albums by this artist, which is active on the local scene since the early 2000s. The band includes three brothers: Sebastián VergaraFind albums by this artist (lead vocals), Germán VergaraFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Luis VergaraFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and two non-family members Rodrigo SepulvedaFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Alejandro MeléndezFind albums by this artist (keyboards). The band plays classic Symphonic Prog, firmly based on the YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and MarillionFind albums by this artist tradition and sounding as good as any of these bands with no inferiority complex whatsoever. The vocals (in English) have very little traces of foreign accent, and are of excellent quality, expressive and dramatic, somewhat reminiscent of Marillion’s front men FishFind albums by this artist. The album is full of well-developed musical themes, beautifully played and sung, with two tracks over 10 minutes long. Every fan of melodic Symphonic Prog around the globe will surely enjoy this great debut album with no reservations, eagerly awaiting the follow up.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CHANDELIER ~ PURE CHICKADISC 005 (Barcode: 5903068120091) ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1988 - 1990 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the debut album by the German Neo-Prog ensemble ChandelierFind albums by this artist, which consisted of vocalist Martin EdenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Udo LangFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Tobias BudnowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Christoph TiberFind albums by this artist and drummer Heribert RubarthFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original songs with lyrics (In English) by Eden and music co-credited to all five ensemble members. This remastered and expanded edition adds a whole second CD which presents the cassette only early album by the band with one previously unreleased outtake. The music is obviously strongly influenced by the classic British Prog bands of the late 1960s / early 1970s as well as the early British Neo-Prog bands which exploded in the early 1980s like MarillionFind albums by this artist, IQFind albums by this artist, PallasFind albums by this artist, PendragonFind albums by this artist and many others. The songs on this album as every bit as good as the material these bands managed to produce, and offer great melodies, excellent instrumental parts and falsetto (as appropriate for the genre) vocals. Neo-Prog sadly had a limited musical impact as it basically offered nothing new that was not already done in the past and refused to break beyond the self imposed limits of the genre. Nevertheless this album is quite strong as far as this genre has to offer and in the thirty years retrospective sounds really entertaining. Progheads should find this remastered and expanded reissue a feast to their ears and considering the fact that the original release is impossible to find these days, this is a great opportunity to discover this excellent band. As usual the remastered music and excellent liner notes make this reissue a must have. The ChickadiscFind albums on this label label is a subsidiary of the excellent Polish GADFind albums on this label Records, which by now is a trademark of quality.

Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: 29/06/2019

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

COLLAGE ~ OVER AND OUT MYSTIC (PL) 442 (Barcode: 5902643887008) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the fifth album by the Polish Progressive Rock band CollageFind albums by this artist, released twenty-seven years after their previous album “SafeFind albums with this title”. The lineup includes the new vocalist Bartosz KossowiczFind albums by this artist, who replaced Robert AmirianFind albums by this artist, guitarist Michal KirmucFind albums by this artist, who replaced Miroslaw GilFind albums by this artist, and the original members: keyboardist Krzysztof PalczewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr WitkowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech SzadkowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, all composed and featuring lyrics (in English) by Szadkowski, except one track which was co-composed by all four instrumentalists of the band. The opening tracks is a six-part suite with over twenty-one minutes in duration. British guitarist Steve RotheryFind albums by this artist (MarillionFind albums by this artist) plays a guest guitar solo on one of the tracks. The music is classic Symphonic Prog, with a dense, keyboards dominated sound, beautiful melodies and the usual dramatic development from one crescendo to another. The musicians are all highly skilled and the vocalist is theatrical and dramatic, as appropriate for the circumstances. The English lyrics are of course a “global market” decision, which can be debated, but the pronunciation and accent are passable, so why not. The recording is a bit muddy and lacks detail, but again nothing that seriously damages the album as a whole, and Prog lovers, Polish or worldwide, should find this album a joy to listen to. I have recently heard the band perform live, and I must say that the live sound and atmosphere were somewhat superior to the result of this recording, but that is a common phenomenon. Overall, it is great to have Collage back as a recording band and although these is not much innovation or revelation in their music, it is a classic Neo-Prog album, which sticks to the formula and delivers everything a Prog fan might wish to hear. Hopefully another album will follow suit, sooner that the waiting time for this one.

Updated: 15/08/2023Posted: 15/08/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

STEVE HACKETT ~ HIGHLY STRUNG (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 384418 (Barcode: 094638441823) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 Released: 2007 6th album by Steve HackettFind albums by this artist and the last one released on the CharismaFind albums on this label label (All the rest of Steve’s extensive catalogue is available on his privately owned label CaminoFind albums on this label Records, also available on this site). For this album Hackett expanded the duo format, which recorded Cured, into a trio with the addition of drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist (future MarillionFind albums by this artist member) and a few guest musicians also participated. Together they created what is considered one of the best Steve Hackett albums, full of great melodies and excellent playing. Back to the Prog format and sound and including some of Hackett’s most memorable tunes like Camino Royale, this is a perfect summary of his early period. Future Hackett albums will slowly mark the transition into acoustic music and his dedication to the acoustic guitar, with only occasional ventures into the classic electric Prog. This is a beautiful album in every sense and a pleasure to revisit after all these years. Definitely a classic and highly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

LA TULIPE NOIRE ~ FADED LEAVES MUSEA 4453 ~ GREECE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 3rd album by the excellent Greek Prog quintet La Tulipe NoireFind albums by this artist and a most welcome addition to the rather limited output from this country. The vocals (in English) are handled by their leading lady ImaFind albums by this artist and the four men supply great instrumetal work, guitar and keyboards being the most dominant. On this album they develop a more personal sound and style which is a positive step forward compared to their previous work, which was heavily influenced by bands like MarillionFind albums by this artist.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ AFRAID OF SUNLIGHT (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 498614 (Barcode: 724349861428) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1995 Released: 1999 8th studio album by the legendary UK Prog group MarillionFind albums by this artist and as strong as the previous one. Again this is a concept album and the bands`s many fans consider it as a definitive high of their powers. Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist`s vocals are expressive and strong and the instrumental passages are performed with skill and imagination. A true Neo-Prog classic! A whole CD of bonus materiall added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ BRAVE (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 497038 (Barcode: 724349703827) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1994 Released: 1998 7th studio album by the legendary UK Prog band MarillionFind albums by this artist, which is credited as the single-handed re-inventor of Prog since the early 1980s and therefore an inventor of Neo-Prog. This album was recorded by the second reincarnation of the group with Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist as lead vocalist and is considered as their best and most consistent release ever. As usual with Marillion, it is a concept album. A whole CD of bonus materiall added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ CLUTCHING AT STRAWS (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 498611 (Barcode: 724349861121) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1987 Released: 1999 4th studio album by MarillionFind albums by this artist and last studio album with FishFind albums by this artist, who left the band a year later due to internal frictions as well as personal problems with drugs and alcohol. Although recorded at a tumultuous time for the band, it is still an excellent effort full of great melodies and superb instrumental performances in addition to tormented vocals by Fish. Although heavily criticized at the time of its release, this album stands the test of time with flying colors. A whole CD of bonus material added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ FROM STOKE ROW TO IPANEMA EMI 490624 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1989 - 1990 This double DVD set documents the most dramatic period of MarrilionFind albums by this artist`s history immediately after their legendary singer FishFind albums by this artist left the band to be replaced by Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist. You can find here an impromptu performance at a small club, a concert in Brazil in front of 85,000 fans and a concert back home after a successful world tour. If this is not enough, there are interviews with band members, a glimpse at their work in studio and other goodies. This is a true Marillion`s fan dream come true. 183 minutes.

DVD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ FUGAZI (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 493369 (Barcode: 724349336926) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1984 Released: 1998 2nd studio album by the pioneers of Neo-Prog and every bit as strong as the debut. MarrilionFind albums by this artist`s fascination with concept material and extended instrumental passages defined here will be their trademark for future albums and will win them a very wide following, unprecedented on the Prog scene. A whole CD of bonus materiall added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ LIVE FROM CADOGAN HALL EAR MUSIC 4029759064046 (Barcode: 4029759064046) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 This is a live album by legendary British Neo-Progressive band MarillionFind albums by this artist, recorded during the last date of the “Less Is MoreFind albums with this title” tour in December 2009. The 2CD album presents the full concert spanning twenty-one tracks. The video material of this concert was also released on DVD. The “Less Is More” album was the 16th studio album by Marillion and was an acoustic re-work of songs from their albums recorded since Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist became the band’s vocalist in 1989, starting with their 5th studio album “Seasons EndFind albums with this title”, and includes one previously unreleased song. The live concert includes obviously more songs from these albums. The lineup includes Hogarth, guitarist Steve RotheryFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mark KellyFind albums by this artist, bassist Pete TrewavasFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist. Marillion’s ability to maintain a steady personnel since the band’s formative time (except for the vocalist of course) is truly incredible and is one of the reasons that the band manages to keep an unbelievable level of artistry and success at the same time. These acoustic versions emphasize the melodic qualities of Marillion’s material and the incredible vocal possibilities of Hogarth, which have few competitors. Overall, this is a beautiful album from start to finish, which is among very few recordings justifying the existence of Prog these days, since the genre suffers from terrible stagnation and lack of direction, making it almost completely obsolete today. For Marillion fans this is an absolute must of course, and most Rock fans should be able to enjoy this music without any hesitation. A tour de force by any standard!

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: 07/07/2023

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ LIVE FROM LORELEY EMI 599726 (Barcode: 724359972695) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1987 Released: 2004 Filmed shortly before FishFind albums by this artist left MarillionFind albums by this artist to pursue a solo career, the band being in top form and at a peak of their popularity. The material includes a great selection of their all time favorites, going back to Jester`s Tear and spanning all the other albums released up to that time. Although released on VHS years ago, this film was out of circulation for a long time and is now most welcome back on the shelves. Dolby Digital Stereo, 87 minutes.

DVD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ MISPLACED CHILDHOOD (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 497034 (Barcode: 724349703421) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1985 Released: 1998 3rd studio album. Considered as the FishFind albums by this artist-era MarillionFind albums by this artist`s best album, this is an elaborate concept album inspired by the singer`s childhood memories and later life experiences. It includes their anthem `Kayleigh`, which is a great love ballad and a series of other excellent tunes. A Prog classic! A whole CD of bonus material added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ RECITAL OF THE SCRIPT EMI 490625 (Barcode: 724349062597) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 - 1983 Released: 2003 In 1983 MarillionFind albums by this artist shocked the world of Rock when they released they debut album Script For A Jester`s TearFind albums with this title and the Neo-Prog movement was born. Marillion toured extensively and were know to perfect their music on stage, as this 1983 film proves well enough. Drama and great performance are present from the starting moment and the enigma of FishFind albums by this artist is evident. As bonus, a rare 1982 film of Marillion performing and some interview footage are also included. 92 minutes.

Updated: 21/09/2021Posted:

DVD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ SCRIPT FOR A JESTER`S TEAR (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 857865 (Barcode: 724385786525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1983 Released: 1997 1st studio album by MarillionFind albums by this artist, the pioneers of Neo-Prog. Considered as one of the best debut albums in Prog and extremely influential, leading to a renaissance of the Prog genre. The first reincarnation of Marillion included the fascinating and enigmatic vocalist FishFind albums by this artist, who was one of their many fortes. A classic by all standards! A whole CD of bonus material added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ SEASONS END (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 857713 (Barcode: 724385771323) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1989 Released: 1997 5th studio album by MarillionFind albums by this artist and first after FishFind albums by this artist left the band a year earlier. Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist was the replacement and to the band`s many fans his performances, although different from the original singer, were as strong and dramatic. Brilliant material makes this one of the best Marillion albums ever and an appropriate opening of the second life for the band. A whole CD of bonus material added.

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ THE EMI SINGLES COLLECTION EMI 492901 (Barcode: 724349290198) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 - 1995 Released: 2002 This is a great collection of all MarillionFind albums by this artist video material filmed between 1982 - 1995 while the band was under the EMIFind albums on this label contract. A glimpse of the past and a historical retrospective, this DVD shows the development and the constant changes that the band went through, fascinating document. Also included is a `hidden track` recorded especially for this DVD. Dolby Digital Stereo, 89 minutes.

DVD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

QUIDAM ~ SURREVIVAL ROCK SERWIS 063 (Barcode: 5907729906321) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 5th album by the phenomenal Polish Prog group QuidamFind albums by this artist. It took them 3 years to recover from the sudden blow inflicted on them when their lead singer / lyricist Emila DerkowskaFind albums by this artist unexpectedly left them. Since Quidam were essentially built around Emila’s central role, this entire concept was now gone and the remaining core band members had to redesign and rethink their new direction. Slowly they developed new material and after enlisting a new (male this time) lead singer and lyricist Bartek KossowiczFind albums by this artist they were finally ready to record a new album. As the album’s title reveals, they eventually managed both to survive and to revive their group. But the new Quidam, which emerges here, is very different from the previous incarnation. The sound is much harder, similar at times to Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist’s era MarillionFind albums by this artist and ArenaFind albums by this artist. The early soft GenesisFind albums by this artist influences and folksy instrumentation is gone, replaced by strong guitar and keyboards lines. The only resemblance remains in the beautiful flute parts. The new singer is truly excellent, singing only in English with no foreign accent whatsoever. This switch from Polish to English is one more difference in the band’s approach, surely influenced by their worldwide success. One thing is quite obvious: with all the changes and transformations they remain to be one of the best and strongest contemporary Prog bands, with very limited competition. The album includes excellent music from start to finish, brilliantly played and sung – one can ask nothing more than that. Definitely a worthy addition to the band’s excellent musical legacy and a must for every serious Symphonic Prog fan.

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

TEMPUS FUGIT ~ TALES FROM A FORGOTTEN WORLD (EXPANDED EDITION) MASQUE 0406 ~ BRAZIL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1993 - 1997 Released: 2006 1st album by the Brazilian Prog band Tempus FugitFind albums by this artist took the Prog wold by surprise, as it was a superbly written and executed worthy of a veteran band and not a newcomer. Heavily influenced by classic Italian bands (PFMFind albums by this artist and others) as well as British Prog (MarillionFind albums by this artist, YesFind albums by this artist, etc.) this is a beautifully lyrical album, full of outstanding melodies and long epic themes. The guitar and keyboards provide rich and colorful sonic textures and the vocals (in English), although sparse, are also well suited to the entire musical fabric. Fans of Symphonic Prog will be delighted by this masterpiece from start to finish. The Expanded edition add two demo tracks from 1993, previously unreleased. Most warmly recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend