Bram Stoker - Cold Reading (2013)

Imagine listening to a new album released by a band steeped in the traditions of the seminal sounds of progressive rock. Now imagine that band actually was playing and recording back in 1969 – 72. Well, you don't have to close your eyes to dream about any of this anymore. But absolutely do not forget your headphones for this fantastic voyage and experience.

Bram Stoker has been around since the late 1960s and early '70s. Bram Stoker was making music at the same time as the seminal leaders of the progressive rock genre like Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, and ELP. The band was formed by keyboard player Tony Bronsdon in 1969. Bram Stoker played shows at the famous Marquee Club in London, where they were actually supported by one of the genre's lasting symphonic prog rock bands Queen. They regularly were featured in London's hotspots like the Roundhouse, The Marquee, The Greyhound – Croydon and The Speakeasy.

Bram Stoker has returned to deliver their first new CD since 1972. Cold Reading. It will be released on the 27th of January, 2014. Their first release was the classic 1972 album Heavy Rock Spectacular released on Windmill Records.

The new line-up features: Tony Bronsdon, on keyboards; Tony Lowe, on guitar and bass; and Will Hack, on drums and vocals. Jon Bavin, also an original member of the band, collaborated on writing two of the new compositions.

"Climbing the Gyroscope", an excellent song title, opens with those deep, dark Hammond keys and fathoms of bass. It puts you right back in the mood for some Foxtrot or Nursery Cryme, for sure. The fast moving keys, dripping bass, and Hackett sounding lead electric guitar will take you right back to classic Genesis. Just what the doctor ordered for a music scene that needs some inspiration from the past. Just sit back and listen to Bronsdon take you through Wakeman, Emerson and Banks with a wave of his hand. This is going to be one magical ride for any fan of the music of early prog.

"Cold Reading" has a more updated sound. Like Collins Era Genesis. This track would have fit well on Trick of the Tail or even Wind and Wuthering, except that the keyboards and that Hackett guitar take you back further in time. Will Hack's vocals are a good mix between Steve Hackett's and Phil Collins'. But those keys will register immediately. The keyboard sound at around 3:14 almost made me sing the words from the song "Scenes from a Night's Dream" from ...And Then There Were Three…

"Fast Decay" reminds me of some of the keyboard sounds from both ELP's Emerson and also the Italian band The Watch, who often covers Genesis classics. This keyboard romp will absolutely help solidify this band as a keeper for your "watch list". Innovative keyboard instrumentals the way you remember them, from all of the greats mentioned above. Nothing's missing…except maybe vocals.

"Calling Me Home" brings back more memories from that early Collins Era of Genesis. Trick or Wind melodies and sounds are prevalent reminders here. The heavy guitar and thick bass are excellent. But those keyboards just rattle the walls on this one. You will swear Hackett's playing those solos.

"Chasing Red" is the longest track on the album, so anyone who knows me knows I had to hear it first. Hack's vocals sing, "Alone I have to roam. Why make me hide away? Oh, no, no.". Those introspective lyrics you remember from the '70s. yes. But this time set to a very modern and cool keyboard melody supported perfectly with deep bass, and those brilliant lead electric guitar soars. Later Hack sings, "I will never be far away from here if lost is like a river…Flowing through us all. A raging waterfall". Yah, powerful lyrics you remember from the past. It all comes roaring back. Sit back and enjoy that powerful keyboard, strings, bass, drums, and lead guitar instrumental. "Live your life, just carry on, you will be fine". Amen.

"Joust" opens with brilliant regal revelry from the keyboards. The joust is between the Hackett sounding lead electric guitar and those Banks keyboards. Who will win? You the listener of course. Magic for your ears. Enjoy.

Everyone wants a "New Adventure", and this album has already delivered that experience and more. But this track almost takes you up to the sound of last Genesis album, Calling All Stations sound. Modern sounding melodies which still possess the golden keys of the past. "Follow me"…indeed.

They just had to have a song for my favorite season. And they do…"Like Autumn Now". It takes you back to hearing "Follow You, Follow Me" for the first time again. Yes, the melody is completely different but the feeling and sensations from that magical time of the year is all over the performance. Piano dominates this one with waves of Hackett level guitar soaring above deep bass and soft drums. "Send me round. To the place where I am found. Enriched by the darkness. I'll guide you through", set to dancing piano and deep Hackettesque guitar.

If you are from the early Genesis generation you knew they had to have a deep storyline in at least one of their songs. "Fingal's Cave" is that instrumental experience. Google the title and you will find that it is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. You will also find that the title involves the story of the eponymous hero of an epic poem by 18th-century Scots poet-historian historian James Macpherson. Unfortunately there is no lyrical adventure in this instrumental, but do not be dismayed. This over six minute keyboard and electric guitar extravaganza will tell enough of the story on its own, complete with deep Hammond, bass and galloping drums.

"Light at the End of the Tunnel" is the closer full of deep Hammond and synth keyboards set to amaze. At nearly six minutes it is a fitting closer to one of the best albums of the year. Sit back and let this keyboard extravaganza flow through your ears.

Wow! One of my favorite albums of the year already. Wish I hadn't missed them in the 1970s. Well, as I always say, it's not when you find a band, it's that you do find them and appreciate them when found. This album must be experienced to be fully appreciated. I have attempted to capture the spirit, but only hearing it yourself will truly register the dynamic power of this album. Not like The Watch, but also providing the sound and music like they do, that we as Genesis fans truly miss.

Great to find this band. They are definitely on my "watch list" now. Get this album and I guarantee they will also be on yours.Review from seaoftranquility

Track Listing:

1. Climbing the Gyroscope
2. Cold Reading
3. Fast Decay
4. Calling Me Home
5. Chasing Red
6. Joust
7. New Adventure
8. Like Autumn Now
9. Fingal's Cave
10. Light at the End of the Tunnel

Anima MUndi - The Way (2010)

It is not common to see (hear) a progressive rock band from Cuba, but when I first listened to Anima Mundi, I really love their music and say "wow", since then, I've been following their efforts. First it was "Septentrion", a promising debut album with symphonic and folk tendencies, also the only one with Spanish vocals; then it was "Jagganath Orbit" where they expressed their skill at their highest level; and now is the turn of "The Way".

When I knew they would release a new album I was really excited because I love their music, and now, after several listens, I can say I am pleased, they did not let me down. This 2010 they gave light to this ambitious album called "The Way" which features four compositions, and a total time of 58 minutes, so as you can imagine you will find long songs here.

It opens with "Time to Understand", a fourteen-minute track where you can easily appreciate their symphonic tendencies, and where you will listen to first-class progressive rock. Throughout those fourteen minutes they offer a salad of sounds, a mixture of rhythms and moods and a great musical execution, it is evident that we are listening to trained and talented musicians.

In a symphonic prog band, I normally feel attracted by the sound of keyboards, and this time is not the exception, so pay attention to Virginia Pedraza's work, it is awesome. Returning to the song, when it reaches the eight or ninth minute it slows down, it makes great changes in mood and rhythm, a delicate guitar appears. But then the music begin to increase again until the final minute where it fades out.

"Spring Knocks on the Door of Men" is a giant composition that reaches twenty-six minutes, so you better sit comfortable and listen to this wonderful track. The first part covers the first four minutes, where you'll listen to soft and charming instrumental music, then it makes a little stop, delicate guitars and vocal appear and give it a new direction. The rhytm is semi-slow but it easily catches your attention, it keeps like this until minute eight where a new musical passage begins. Again, instrumental music with great keyboard work and also wonderful guitars; it is important to say, that despite I may feel more attracted by guitars and keys, all the instruments are equally important here, so open your ears and appreciate also bass and drums, because they are great.

At minute ten, there is a beautiful passage where you can close your eyes and let the music take you to another realm, I imagine myself in a beautiful place where peace reigns, with fields of green and pure air, just figure it out. There is a fantastic change after minute fifteen, the song explodes and becomes stronger and at the same time creates a new atmosphere, I also can imagine this part as if it was part of a film, in a scene where a new situation is taking place.

What a song this length can offer speaks for itself, there are a lot of sounds, emotions, textures, colors, images and several elements that help the music succeed and left a mark on the listener, as this band has left with me. After minute twenty there is another beautiful passage where a delicate flute appears accompanied by acoustic guitar and a nice keyboard atmosphere. Seconds later vocals return and add its special flavor. The final part of this is just the conclusion of a great effort, an ambitious track that reached his goal, at least with me.

Now the other two tracks are the shorter ones, despite they can also be considered as long ones. "Flying to the Sun" offers nine minutes of cool symphonic prog music. It starts with a mellotron sound which always produces me goosebumps, then vocals enter and a bombastic rhythm appears. A couple of minutes later nice bass lines mark the pass of a new passage where some choral keyboard appears and an excellent guitar work by Roberto Díaz highlights the track. Before minute six there is another change, actually in the mood because of the keyboards one can imagine some kind of terror scene, so there is a sense of tension and nervousness. The music itself is conducting you to several ways, you are exploring and knowing them, until you find your way: The Way.

And finally the shortest track, "Cosmic Man" which I have to admit is my least favorite on this album, which does not mean it is a bad track, not at all, not even weak, but in moments (the first minutes) I felt it repetitive. However later, more specific in the instrumental parts I felt caught again and my interest increased again. The last couple of minutes produce that sensation of an end, the music little by little is vanishing and saying goodbye.

Anima Mundi from Cuba is a band worth listening that I highly recommend. So far their three albums have caused several things on me and I fully enjoy them. Now, I am looking forward to their next effort, and I keep my fingers crossed in order to see them on stage, maybe soon, I don't know. My final grade will be four strong stars, it would be more accurate if I could add half star so it would be a 4.5 star record.

Enjoy it! Review from Progarchives.com.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1.Time to Understand 13:59

2. Spring Knocks on the Door of Men 26:32

3. Flying to the Sun 9:33

4. Cosmic Man 8:18

Line-up / Musicians

Virginia Peraza / Keyboards

Roberto Díaz / Lead Guitar & Vocals

Yaroski Corredera / Bass Guitar

Manuel Govin / Drums

Carlos Sosa / Vocals

Listen or download Anima Mundi Time to Understand for free on Pleer

Paatos - Breathing (2011)

The term 'progressive rock' has come to mean a wide variety of different sounds and styles over the course of the past forty years. To some, Swedish band Paatos may sound like an indie act more than anything, but this art rock group should be of some interest to anyone who is looking for a more modern sound in prog. This is a female-fronted band whose music is highly song-based, and melodic. Although this band has been around for a while, they have always treaded on the underground, but hearing this latest album 'Breathing' as my first introduction to them, they appear to be one of those groups that doesn't get nearly as much respect as they deserve. 'Breathing' is a charming collection of songs that are instantly likeable; a great record to put on for any time a progger is looking for something a little less challenging to enjoy.

The songwriting of Paatos on 'Breathing' is very melodic and concise, with no moments where the instruments jump out of the song structure and do their own thing. Everything here is meant to contribute to the song, and back up the lovely vocals of Petronella Nettermalm, whose charismatic and sultry delivery bears a resemblance to the voice of Bjork. These songs are quite beautiful and have an optimism to their sound that I find really refreshing in prog. Beyond the songwriting alone though, these songs are backed up and driven by great instrumental arrangements, although things are kept pretty conservative when it comes to musicianship. The album has a somewhat Floydian approach in the sense that it is quite mellow and dreamy, especially in the flange of the guitars.

The highlight here are the vocals of Nettermalm, whose voice is distinctive enough to distinguish Paatos apart from other acts. The instrumentation is not particularly inventive or dazzling, but it is enough to make these songs sing. I did not expect to hear anything challenging or life-changing with Paatos' 'Breathing', and truth be told; there's nothing here that seeks to shake boundaries and leave a big mark on prog history. What we experience here however are well-crafted songs, and a kind presentation of something that much prog seems to lose in translation; the art of melody. Review from Progarchives.co

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Gone (5:52)

2. Fading Out (3:36)

3. Shells (5:58)

4. In That Room (4:56)

5. Andrum (1:25)

6. No More Rollercoaster (4:15)

7. Breathing (5:56)

8. Sm?rtan (4:30)

9. Surrounded (4:48)

10. Ploing, My Friend (0:56)

11. Precious (4:25)

12. Over and Out (3:31)

Total time 50:08

Line-up / Musicians

- Peter Nylander / guitars

- Ricard "Huxflux" Nettermalm / drums

- Petronella Nettermalm / vocals

- Ulf "Rockis" Ivarsson / bass

Paatos- Timeloss (2002)

 

Finally an innovative group. A lot of my friends, although they dislike everything to do with rap, techno and other styles of recent music forms (I do too but can enjoy some French rap), actually thought that trip-hop was interesting because of the very expressive moods that bands like Portishead or the early Bjork. I thought that in the mid-90's, trip hop could present a form of evolution for proggers. As far as I know, this is the first album of its kind to exploit that direction and they have stricken gold right from the start. The moods and ambiances are simply beautiful as is Petronella who looks like she's coming from the northern part of Sweden and has got Lapp blood in her and in concert she made me think of the star from Iceland (Bjork), under the careful eye of hubby Huxflux, from behind his drum kit. On guitar, eine Fiske (of Landberk fame) adds up with his so expressive guitar lines this touch of almost divine background, while the other ex-Landberk Stefan Dimle rattles the bass guitar strings. Rounding up the quintet is Wallen on vintage keys.

The album seems to have at least a retro visual concept matching its title, the booklet pages showing illustration of outdated house interiors, starting with the Art Deco hotel hallway lift cage on the front cover. Opening on the excellent Sensor, starting on jazzy bass and electric piano, but once Fiske's guitar enters, the track veers superbly rock, with Petronella's voice underlined by trons of mello make a banner track, well worth the early 90's Swedish trilogy. The following and aptly-titled Hypnotique is a soft spellbinding track, lasting over 8-mins, with Petro on cello, again a superb load of mellotron washes and a guest flutist giving a haunting ambiance. Téa starts with Fiske's ever-recognizable guitar and this crescendoing track (not my fave, though) will become the A side (remixed I think) of their 45 RPM single. Fiske again opens They Are Beautiful, the weaker track of the album (IMHO, anyway), despite a superb clarinet (courtesy of the flutist mentioned above), but I find the track a little long.

Do overcome your prejudice and listen to the last track Quits, as it may set you back but if you listen carefully and are open minded, this track alone is worth hunting the album as it is mind-boggling and offers great possibilities for the group's future adventures. It is the most openly trip hop track of the album, but is the apex of the album. In concert, Quits was used to get you wilded up at the end of the set and makes you (and the rest of the crowd) beg to hear it again as the first, second and third encores.

Of course, the main deception was the album's short duration (less than 40 mins), BUT?.. The Japanese version of this album comes with two bonus tracks, thus bringing an extra superb 13 mins of pure bliss. Both tracks are without Fiske's guitars (he had already gone by then), but Nylander fills the shoes as if they were his. The 8-mins+ Ouka sounds like a superb quiet improv, but carefully controlled; while Otaku is definitely more chaotic and abstract, filled Petro's cello and weird electronic noises. Great stuff, well in line with Quits. Timeloss is definitely one of the 00's best albums and few albums of the 90's and 80's in the prog realm can come to its shoulder height. Think I'm exaggerating, uh? Get this album and quick! Try for the superb Japanese Mini-Lp version with the bonus tracks, if still available.Review from progarchives.com

Songs / Tracks Listing 

1. Sensor (5:11)
2. Hypnotique (8:32)
3. Téa (5:45)
4. They Are Beautiful (7:44)
5. Quits (12:17)

Total Time: 39:29

 Line-up / Musicians -

 Stefan Dimle / bass and double bass
- Reine Fiske / electric and acoustic guitars
- Huxflux Nettermalm / drums, congas, percussion, water, saw, triangle, programming

- Petronella Nettermalm / vocals and cello

- John Wall´n / electric piano, Hammond organ, Moog, clavia, Yamaha synths, mellotron, upright piano, Steinway grand piano, harmonium, sampler

GET THIS ALBUM ON RDIO

Wayinetula - A Dream within A Dream (1983)

Based on the works of Edgar allan Poe ' A Dream Within a Dream' is similar in concept, but much more symphonic rock based, and not in my opinion as creative or evocative , as the 'Alan Parsons Project' outing ,which is certainly more varied than what we have here.

The music is very tightly played though and quite polished with very good vocals. On occasion i'm reminded of some Eloy on some of the tracks and even a little ' Pancake' from say there 'Ashes' release.

Not exactly a classic, but lovers of a more straighter styled symphonic prog rock should really like this album and it does grow on you.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Foreboding (4:24)
2. Alone (6:19)
3. Feathery Bird (4:57)
4. Valley of Unrest (7:06)
5. A Dream Within a Dream (4:57)
6. Song of Master and Boardswain (4:39)
7. If I Could Tell You (3:49)
8. Dreamland (5:37)
9. Yessertronics (3:40)
Bonus tracks
10. Vision (4:21)
11. Light my Fire (Doors)(7:35)
12. Lindis farm (8:36)

Total Time: 76:08

Line-up / Musicians - Heinz Kühne / guitar, vocals
- Herman Beckert / bass
- Stephan Remes / drums, vocals
- Norbert Abels / keyboads

Feathery Bird

Chac Mool - Suenos de Metal (1981)

Chac Mools second album, and i personally think it's an improvement on there first, but on the whole both are most enjoyable progressive rock albums from Mexico in the 80's.

The one thing the second album definitely improves upon the first , is, in my opinion,  in the vocal department.

Lots of nice touches of folk, hispanic, ethnic, symphonic and spacerock can be heard.

 Checkout below "Kandahar" which actually reminds me of some Eloy except for the vocals.......replace them with Borneman though, and this is a very similar spacerock with Klaus Pete Matziol type bass playing too. Another great song in similar Eloy style, albeit much more symphonic is the closer "Sombras de la Noche".

Great album then mostly, with the only low point being "Libertad". Surprisingly there's one song where the flute melody is almost Jethro Tull.... Living In The Past.......interesting!  All in alll both albums are well worth a listen and better than some might think.

Chac Mool is the name given to a type of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican stone statue

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Paranoia (4:34)
2. Kandahar (6:54)
3. Brillo de luna (4:45)
4. Que buena razon (3:51)
5. Libertad (4:04)
6. Sombras de la noche (9:30)

Total Time: 33:38

Line-up / Musicians

- Carlos Alvarado / keyboards
- Mauricio Bieletto / lead vocals
- Carlos Castro / drums, percussion
- Jorge Reyes / guitars, flute, backing vocals
- Armando Suarez / bass

Chac Mool - Kandahar

Wapassou - Salammbo (1977)

Wapassou were a unique french band in that they had no drummer and created a spacey ethereal classical tinged electric progressive rock with synths and violin at the fore. On occasions there are some very nice female vocals too.

What is striking about "Wapassou" is there very individual sound. I can't think of anyone else who sounds quite like them.

Incorporating elements of RIO, progressive rock and classical rock with folky tinges makes there mixes very grandiose and distinct.

"Salammbo" with it's "Gustav Dore" album design is one of there best yet not often cited as so. Just 2 long flowing tracks that are very illuminating and uplifting.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Salammbo Part 1 (18:04)
2. Salammbo Part 2 (19:05)

Total Time: 37:09

Line-up / Musicians

- Freddy Brua / keyboards
- Jacques Lichti / violin
- Karen Nickerl / guitars

Sloche - J'un Oell (1975)

A really excellent band from Quebec. This is there first album.

There sound is spacey/ complex and certainly some "Gentle Giant" springs to mind while listening. Especially on tracks like "Le Karême D'Eros"

All the instrumentals and vocals are fantastic.

A must have in anyones progrock collection.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. C'pas la fin du Monde (8:45)
2. Le Karême D'Eros (10:40)
3. J'un Oeil (4:41)
4. Algébrique (6:23)
5. Potage Aux Herbes Douteuses (7:05)

Total Time: 37:34

Line-up / Musicians

- Réjean Yacola / piano, vocals
- Martin Murray / organ, synthesizer, saxophone, vocals
- Caroll Bérard / guitar, vocals
- Pierre Hébert / bass, vocals
- Gilles Chiasson / drums, vocals

Sloche - C'pas la fin du monde

Download mp3

Ahvak - Ahvak (2004)

An extraordinary band from Israel playing an equally extraordinary ominously dark and forboding RIO in the "Univers Zero" and "King Crimson" mould.

Electrifying and devastating RIO at it's best which mesmerizes with it's cutting edge blend of avant/progressive/world/ electric chamber music. Definitely on the darker side but occasionally lighter elements do creep in. Everything besides though, what you get is not only fantastic and awe inspiring music but also a very fine recording to compliment the superlative musicianship.

I hadn't heard this album or indeed of 'Ahvak' until just recently, and i have to say it blew me away completely.

Favourite track is "Hamef Ahakim" which is so much at times like "Univers Zero" from there "Heatwave" "Heresie" album. Very powerfull and imaginitive complexities with lots of sinewy electric guitar, winds, and tense atmosphere with bizzare sounds creeping in and out of the mix while a ghostly piano or organ plays in the foggy distance.The outro is cacophonous RIO in all it's splendour. Wonderful stuff!

So if your a fan of the aforementioned bands, especially "Univers Zero" and also "Present" " Shub Niggurath" and "Art Zoyd" "King Crimson" then this is a must have for sure. An EXTREMELY impressive album which in my opinion excells much of "Univers Zero's" latest material and is one of the few albums i have come across recently which has really made such an impression since the aforementioned bands. A classic!

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Vivisektia (8:30)
2. Bherta (8:25)
3. Regaim (2:41)
4. Ahvak (16:21)
5. Melet (2:53)
6. Hamef Ahakim (13:32)
7. Pirzool (0:58)

Total Time: 53:20

Line-up / Musicians

- Yehuda Kollon / guitars
- Ishay Sommer bass
- Udi Susser / keyboards, woodwinds, vocals, baglama, darbooka
- Roy Yarkoni / keyboards, piano
- Dave Kerman / drums, percussion
- Udi Koomran / computer

Ahvak - Bherta

Download Mp3

Omega - 200 Years After The Last War (1974)

"200 Years After The War" is a lovely progressive rock album by Hungarys premier space rock band who have been going since the sixties , although they were quite different back then, musically.

The lengthy "Suite" opens things up with splendid flowing mellotron/ organ / guitar passages. A little folky progressive rock too at times with great vocals. A really enjoyable piece here and as yet one of the best works i've heard them do. The guitar soloing in particular is outstanding.

"Help To Find Me" follows in a similar vein but more uptempo with a scorching rock groove.

"200 years after the last war" is a nice whimsical interlude.

"You don't know" brings back the organ dominated rock. I'm reminded of some "Atomic Rooster" here!

On the whole an excellent and essential album for all prog rockers out there!



Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Suite (19:23)
2. Help to find me (7:41)
3. 200 years after the last war (5:11)
4. You don't know (3:25)

Total Time: 35:40

Line-up / Musicians

- László Benkö / organ, Moog, backing vocals
- Ferenc Debreceni / drums, percussion
- János Kobor / lead vocals, percussion
- Tamás Mihály / bass, Mellotron, backing vocals
- György Molnár / acoustic & electric guitars

Werwolf - Creation (1984)

Another one of those obscure German collectors items " Werwolfs" sole album "Creation" was a nice symphonic progressive krautrock mixture where one can hear elements of other more famous bands.

Take the opener for instance "flying high" which comes across as a blend of "Eloy" and"Jane". This is the odd track out though really. Elsewhere there's some nice female vocals (sung in english) which imparts a little "Renaissance" flavor and lots of intricate synth/guitar lines.

The folky elements and melodic symphonic rock are very well balanced overall with just the right amount of complexities which makes this album a success.

Track/Listing
1 Flying high
2 The Journey to the LandOf the Flying Pigs
3 Way To Paradise
4 Daydream
5 The Game Is Over
6 The Eighth Day

Dzyan - Time Machine (1973)

Although "Eectric silence" is usually considered "Dzyans" progressive krautrock masterpiece, i have to disagree personally. Of there 3 albums i rank "Time Machine" as there best. This to me sounds the most professional and is riveting stuff right from the start as we dive into the delights of the lengthy first track "Kabisrain". No real melodies or structure as such here, and definitely an indian / eastern influence pervades. One could say this track is quite dissonant and atonal , yet it flows superbly with it's strange melange of keyboards, guitars and drums / percussives.

"Majika" is different and more in the jazz/rock "Mahavishnu Orchestra" style, but more avant with fiery guitar and lots of complexitires. I'm also reminded of some "Terje Rypdal" in places and to a lesser extent some " King Crimson".

"Light shining out of darkness" is much lighter in mood with lots of acoustic guitar and once again recalls "Mahavishnu Orchestra"

"Time Machine" is the real tour deforce of this album. Beginning with lightning speed guitar and pyrotechnics galore we then shift moods into a more melancholic section and back again. Superb guitarwork throughout this piece with drums and bass battling it out is quite spectacular. If you love "Mahavishnu Orchestra" or "Terje Rypdals" "Odyssey" album then your in for a treat here! 17 minutes of it!!
A classic album!
Time Machine

Studio Album, released in 1973

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Kabisrain (7:59)
2. Magika (8:45)
3. Light shining out of darkness (3:13)
4. Time machine (17:47)

Total Time: 37:44
Line-up / Musicians

- Peter Giger / drums, percussion
- Reinhard Karwatky / bass, keyboards
- Eddy Marron / guitar, sitar, saxophone

Dzyan - 04 - Khali from "Electric Silence"

Download Mp3

Arzachel ( 1969 )

This album seemed to have escaped my attention until just recently. I,m glad i discovered it though as this is really something special in the space rock psychedelic genre.

Arzachel was the earliest formation of STEVE HILLAGE and DAVE STEWART , which apparently at the time were also known as URIEL. HILLAGE was only 17 when he played guitar on this and the other members were of a similar age too. Being so young you might think this one and only album to be under par to the greater things yet to come by some of these band members. Not so!!! This is a surprisingly mature work musically in every sense. Featuring some of the most explosive and tripped out psychedelia your likely to ever hear.Certainly right up there with the very best , like a mixture of all the best parts of EGG, GONG, NATIONAL HEALTH., CARAVAN, PINK FLOYD and even some early STEAMHAMMER on track 5 ' Clean innocent fun.

Overall this album is a masterpiece with hardly any low points. The climactic ' Metempsychosis ' is one log fantastic jam. Alternating between slow and fast passages with HILLAGE andSTEWART duelling it out as it were and ending in blasts of distorted organ.

Amazing that the entire album was recorded in one session in one day. A brilliant album for sure. Don't miss out on it as long i have!!
Download

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Garden of Earthly Delights (2:40)

2. Azathoth (4:11)

3. Queen Street gang (4:20)

4. Leg (5:31)

5. Clean innocent fun (10:24)

6. Metempsychosis (16:19)

Total Time: 43:25

Line-up / Musicians

- Basil Dowling (Clive Brooks) / drums

- Njerogi Gategaka (Mont Campbell) / bass, vocals

- Sam Lee-Uff (Dave Stewart) / organ

- Simeon Sasparella (Steve Hillage) / guitar, vocals