Mandrágora
Pecado Tras Pecado
(1993)
Argentina

Primer album de este grupo que si bien reconocido, no tuvo la difusión que su música merece. Con la participación de Alex Chaneton en guitarra, quien luego fuera fundador de la banda que lleva su apellido, este CD expone una música con un estilo con ciertos encuentros en Genesis/Marillion, con Ernesto Pombo como cantante dotado de una voz muy personal.

First album of this band though recognized, didn't have the diffusion that it deserved. With the participation of Alex Chaneton playing guitar, who will after be the founder of the group that takes its name from his surname, this CD shows a Genesis/Marillion style with Ernesto Pombo as singer with a personal voice.

Energit

Piknik

(1978)

Czechoslovakia

Second and last album of the band who develop a fusion jazz style, in this one more oriented to funky jazz may be with reminicenses of the trend of jazz-rock players of the 70's as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea or Joe Zawinul . Their music is sustained in a strong electric piano playing supported with guitar and saxophone, but not in long solos. Quite interesting to discover.

Segundo y último album de la banda que desarrolló un estilo jazz fusión, en este disco mas orientado a un estilo funky que se vió generalizado en músicos de jazz del 70 como Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea o Joe Zawinul.Su música está basada en piano eléctrico acompañado de guitarra y saxo pero no en largos solos. Muy interesante para hurgar.

Aera

Humanum Est

(1975)

Germany

Jazz-rock fusion oriented, this band plays in a progressive vein with complex compositions where guitar and sax/trumpet solos are their characterisitc. Humanum Est, their first album is considered the best of the band.

Orientado al Jazz-rock fusión, esta banda toca un rock progresivo de composiciones complejas donde los solos de guitarra, saxo y trompeta son su característica. Humanum Est, su primer album, es considerado el mejor de su producción.

Conventum

A L'Affût d'un Complot

(1977)

Canada

Remarkable first release by this Chamber/Folk Prog ensemble. As with their later work, their sound is primarily acoustic, although these guys play with the fire and prowess of the best fusion groups. Violins, mandolins and acoustic guitars form the nucleus of the group, but it's the lead electric guitar and bass that really define their originality. The guitarist's Fripp-like leads are a particular delight, often appearing out of nowhere - it's as if there were some seething undercurrent to the music, just lying in wait for the opportunity to propel the song into the next dimension. And the bassist does a masterful job of being the entire rhythm section. His playing kinda reminds me of Ray Shulman from Gentle Giant. Thick, chunky bass lines that are both the engine and the heartbeat of each composition. The vocals are intense and theatrical in a style typical of the French-speaking bands of the period. Heady stuff that requires active listening, but the payoff is tremendous.

SA

Malicorne

Le Bestiaire

(1979)

France

Simply put, this may be one of the best Prog Folk records of all time. Malicorne started out as a predominately acoustic group and gradually added elements of Rock and Progressive music culminating in this masterpiece. Le Bestiaire is a concept album based on the French folklore theme of "shapeshifting" or the transformation back and forth between humans and animals. Classical and Celtic/Medieval folk instruments combine with traditional Rock instrumentation to create a unique and intoxicating music. Stringed instruments - violins, hurdy gurdys, mandocellos, and woodwinds - recorders, bassoon, bagpipes are cleverly supported by synths, clavs, electric guitars, bass and drums. The dark subject matter lends an air of melancholy to much of the album, but this isn't a dreary record - many of the pieces bring to mind traditional Breton dance music, and they're never afraid to rock out when appropriate. The then husband and wife team of Gabriel and Marie Yacoub share the majority of the vocal duties, and there are some great acapella sections with harmonies that will blow your mind. An astounding record and must have for any Prog collection. Of note: Brian Gulland of the English group Gryphon plays a significant role on this recording, and fans of that band will immediately recognize his signature bassoon work.

SA

Difícil Equilibrio
Trayecto
(2000)
España

Trío Español de fuertes influencias Crimsonianas, a tal punto que han grabado albumes con sus versiones a temas de King Crimson. Este album en especial tiene un marcado estilo a la última era del Rey Carmesí principalmente basado en el trabajo de Adrian Belew. Tal vez no se encuentren con sonidos o conceptos musicales novedosos, pero estos muchachos hacen un gran trabajo que es difícil (como dice su nombre) creer que se trata de un trío. Un album sin desperdicios.

Spanish Tryo with strong Crimsonic influences, to the point that have recorded albums with covers of King Crimson's songs. This album in special has a marked style to the last 80's Crimson, mainly based in an Adrian Belew-influence. May be you won't find new sounds or unknown musical concepts, but these guys make a very difficult (as their name says) work that makes you doubt they are only three. An album with no waste.

To satisfy Armute's request

Strawbs

Greatest Hits Live!

(1990)

England

This album was recorded as a soundtrack to a TV special by Central Television and the audio tracks were remixed for this CD release at Sonet Studios in London. You will find here songs from the two albums of the 80's plus a finishing set of old songs performed with a tremendous strength.

Spektakel

self-titled

(1974)

Germany

Spektakel is one of those unknown bands which has enjoyed a resurgence long after its dissolution. The band lived as a community in a Castle in Germany in a continuous rehearsal environment. Their music was characterized by the jams, and their shows could last up to 5 hours. Three long tracks and a bonus live track demonstrate their fondness for jamming. Very much like Red-era King Crimson, although they have their own particular sound. A pearl to be appreciated.

Spektakel es una de esas bandas que resurgió mucho después de su disolución. La banda vivía en comunidad en un Castillo de Alemania en continuo ensayo. Su característica eran las zapadas, y sus presentaciones en vivo podían durar hasta 5 horas. Tres temas largos y un bonus en vivo lo demuestran. Muy parecidos a King Crimson de Red, tienen sin embargo su propio estilo. Una perlita escondida.

Los Jaivas
Pregón para Iluminarse
(1975)
Chile
Los Jaivas was a Chilean band formed in the early 70's with a strong influence of the folk music of the Andean region (Los Andes mountains). Strong compositions and wonderful arrangements with a folkloric essence is found in their songs. Playing typical instruments of the region - wonderfully - this band that lived as a hippie community was forced to leave Chile during the dictatorship of Pinochet. They came to a weak democratic Argentina, and when our Dictators took the country they went to France in exile. A jewel to be taken into account.

Los Javias de Chile fué una banda formada en los principios de los 70 con una fuerte influencia de la música Andina. Composiciones muy cuidadas y hermosos arreglos con base en el folclore son la escencia de su música. Tocando instrumentos autóctonos de la región - magnificamente ejecutados - esta bada que vivía en forma de comunidad hippie fué forzada a abandonar Chile durante la incipiente dictadura de Pinochet. Se mudaron a una Argentina con democracia débil y cuando nuestros Dictadores tomaron el poder exiliaron a Francia. Una pequeña joya para ser tenida en cuenta.

Circus

self-titled

(1976)

Switzerland

Debut album from this superb Swiss quartet. Many listeners will be familiar with Circus's 2nd recording, Movin' On - a near masterpiece. This record is only slightly less so, and fans of that album and newcomers alike will not be disappointed. As with many Swiss groups, Circus's music was primarily influenced by 70's UK Prog - in this case, early Genesis and perhaps even more so Van Der Graaf Generator. Their sound was unique for a Symphonic band in that there were no keyboards used. Don't worry - you won't miss them. In their place, woodwinds, vibes and guitars form the melodic and harmonic nucleus of the group, along with lively, sure-handed drumming and vocals that can only be described as Hammill-esque. Lots of nice interplay between flutes and saxophones not only reinforces the VDGG aspect to their music, but also provides a nice jazzy feel to the extended instrumental passages. An excellent effort from a country sometimes overlooked in terms of great Progressive music. To be discovered.
SA

Pär Lindh Project

Veni, Vidi, Vinci

(2001)

Sweden

Pär Lindh is a remarkable keyboardist very à la Emerson. In this, his 5th record, a turn to a Wakeman's style is very well detected, but not leaving his already Emerson influences. So, imagine Keith meeting Rick and then you can figure out what to find in this album. A magnificient job at the keyboards where sometimes a self style arises, mainly when female voices are present. Seems to add some Swedish folk style to the avalanche of music. Very much orchestrated VVV is an astonishing release of this wonderful musician.

Pär Lindh es un destacadísimo tecladista muy influenciado por Emerson. En este, su 5ª album, un giro hacia un estilo Wakeman es bien apreciable, pero no abandonando su marcada influencia de Emerson. Así que imagínense a Keith encontrándose con Rick y encuentren el resultado en este album. Un magnífico trabajo de teclados donde algunas veces asoma su estilo propio, sobre todo cuando hay voces femeninas. Pareciera agregar un toque de folclore sueco a la avalancha de música reinante. Muy orquestada, VVV es un album espeluznante de un eximio músico.

Raul Porchetto

Cristo Rock

(1972)

Argentina

Raul Porchetto, a songwriter who mantained his idealism at the point of almost losing his artistic career several times, made Cristo Rock - his first work - a concept album with strong lyrics against the church. Maybe one has to travel in time to the Argentina of those years, where the political situation was not stable and the church supported the dictatorial goverments and their atrocities. This album cost Raul Porchetto 2 years of forced silence from the record companies. What will you find here? Well, the strength is in the lyrics in the very first place. Enclosed in the rip you will find the letters of the 8 songs (+ 4 bonuses) both in spanish and english (sorry french speakers) to check out the critisicm put on them. The story talks about Jesus coming to earth at present. The music is in part acoustic (Raul's musical origin) with an impressive supporting band of musicians amongst whom were Charly García, a newcomer on keyboards and who in the future formed Sui Generis, La Maquina de Hacer Pajaros and Seru Giran all bands of the main rock circuit of Argentina.

Primer trabajo discográfico de Raul Porcheto. Un disco conceptual cuyo eje principal es la crítica hacia la iglesia basada en la llegada de Jesus a la tierra en el presente. Este disco le valió a Raul 2 años de no poder grabar un nuevo disco, en una época donde la Iglesia daba apoyo a los atroces gobiernos dictatoriales de aquellos años. Se adjuntan las letras de las canciones para que puedan apreciar la fuerza crítica de las mismas. La música es en parte acústica (como los orígenes de Raul) y en otras con una impresionante banda de músicos de soporte entre los que se encontraba el debutante Charly García en teclados quien posteriormente fuera lider de bandas como Sui Generis, La Maquina de Hacer Pajaros y Seru Giran.

Parthenon

Mare Tenebris

(2005)

Venezuela

Symphonic Prog from a band formed in the late 70's, who recently regrouped and recorded this fine album. Their style is very typical of Latin American Prog, meaning that there seems to be an equal influence from both the British and Italian masters. Keyboards are provided by Roberto Santamaria, best known for his work with the wonderful Spanish group Amarok, although his style on this record is a bit different, being very reminiscent of Keith Emerson. The guitarist doesn't take a back seat however, and the arrangements are such that each player is given an equal chance to contribute. The rhythm section is slightly oriented towards Fusion due to the use of Fretless bass and the drummer's fondness for intricate fills and jazzy flourishes. Strong Spanish vocals are present on a few songs, with both Male and Female singers having an expressive and lyrical style. All-in-all this is great Prog and an excellent debut - here's hoping to their continued success. Of note: the cover is not clipped or askew - that's the way it's designed.

SA

Special thanks to orwein for this one.

Reseña del Recital en Comentarios

ASIA EN ARGENTINA

Tour 25 Aniversario

Con la formación original John Wetton, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer y Geoff Downes, Asia se presentará en Argentina el 19 de Marzo conmemorando su 25° Aniversario. Algo poco común el poder ver a estos monstruos legendarios juntos. En el Gran rex a las 21:00 hs. Teloneros: Chaneton.

With the original formation John Wetton, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes, Asia is presenting a show in Argentina on March 19th celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Something not common in these part of the world to have the opportunity of seeing these legendary monsters playing together. Support band: Chaneton.

London Underground

self-titled

(2000)

Italy

Very cool retro Prog Pop trio. Evidently, this is a side-project of Italian Progsters Standarte - a band I'm not familiar with, but who are supposedly like Atomic Rooster. I'd say that AR was an influence on this group as well, but you can also hear some Beatles, Pink Floyd and maybe even some Kinks circa Village Green. Heavy organ dominates the instrumentation, while the vocals bring to mind British Psychedelic Pop of the late 60's/early 70's. Guitars are used sparingly, but Clavinets, Moogs and Mellotron are quite present and the sound is very full and rich. The bass player has the McCartney thing down, and the drummer has a nice almost Mitch Mitchell-type style. He also handles the vocal duties, but his accent is very slight compared to most Italian bands singing in English, and not a distraction at all. Having plenty of great hooks helps as well, and several of these songs wouldn't have been out of place on AM radio back in the day. So, all of this been done many times before, but not every band blends their influences so well and has such a strong sense of melody. Highly enjoyable.

SA

Greg Lake

From the Beginning-Retrospective

(1997)

England

Though our idea is to share here those rare prog gems (emuling our friend's blog) that are not so much known or difused, the temptation of posting this little piece of art made me step aside from our aim. Please excuse me.

From his initial days in the explosive London music scene of the late 60's, through his time with rock innovators King Crimson, and as member of the already mytical band, Emerson, Lake and Palmer; Greg Lake has continually made records that have left a mark in music. Today, nearly four decades after he was first introduced, he remains committed to creating vital and contemporary music. This sort of compilation album has songs of the differents eras of Greg so as some rarities too. Hope you enjoy!

Il Trono Dei Ricordi

Self-titled

(1993)

Italy

Band from the neo-prog scene with heavy influences of the 70's prog. The music - may be a heavier Asgard (the Italian Symphonic band, not the Metal guys) - is supported by a deep atmosphere of keyboards and adjusted guitar solos. The singer Alessandro Lamiraglia has a characteristic voice, maybe Gabriel-oriented, but his timber is quite original. Long instrumental passages with many changes of rhythms and melodies. Unfortunately this is the only album of the band.

Banda de la escena neo progresiva italiana con infleuncia de los 70. Su música - tal vez un Asgard mas pesado (el grupo de rock sinfónico italiano, no los chicos del Metal) está basada en densas atmósferas de teclados con brillantes entradas de guitarra. Su cantante Alessandro Lamiraglia tiene una voz original, tal vez orienatada a Peter Gabriel, pero con un timbre caracteristico. Largos pasajes instrumentales con muchos cambios de ritmos y melodías. Lamentablemente es el único album de esta magnífica banda.

Flame Dream

Elements

(1979)

Switzerland

Excellent 2nd release by this Alemannic-Swiss Symphonic group. Many people are familiar with their wonderful 1st record Calatea, but this superb follow-up doesn't seem to get the same attention. That's a shame because this album is every bit its equal. Having lost their guitarist, the band is now reduced to a four-piece of vocals/woodwinds, keyboards, bass and drums. Their sound is truly a hodge-podge of several great 70's acts. The keyboardist brings to mind early Genesis, and Tony Banks references abound. He also plays a lot of acoustic piano in a very elaborate style, and you get the feeling he knows both his Emerson and Rachmaninoff backwards and forwards. Vocalist Peter Wolf (not Mr. Dunaway) sings in English, but he has a pretty good voice and the accent is tolerable. He also plays an array of saxophones and flutes, giving many of the instrumental bits a Van Der Graaf Generator feel. The drums and bass are more from the Yes school - meaning intricate, propulsive and way up in the mix. While their influences are quite apparent, they have such strong original material and the execution is so perfect that it never sounds forced or derivative. Each of the four long tracks takes several twists and turns, and no passage is ever around long enough to become boring or stale. This is one of those bands you wonder how you missed them the first time around. Great stuff. Of note: I don't know their later albums, but it's said that they're pretty lame in comparison to the first two. Also, there's a one-minute bonus track 5 that's not listed in the credits, so I've no idea of its title.

SA

Tako
U Vreci Za Spavanje
(1980)
Yugoslavia
Banda formada en la por entonces todavía unida Yugoslavia, Tako sugiere una música en donde se pueden encontrar ciertas influencias de Pink Floyd (en el inicio del primer tema se aprecia la introducción del album Wish you Were Here) con una mezcla de Camel. Pero a medida que se recorre el album, se detecta una orientación hacia el jazz-fusión que es mantienido por un fondo de teclados (mucho mellotrón) con un estilo bastante particular.

Band formed in the former Yugoslavia, Tako suggests a music in where you can find some influences of Pink Floyd (the beginning of the first track you appreciate the introduction of Wish you Were Here album) with a mixture with Camel. But, as long as you get into the album, a jazz-fusion orientation is detected, sustained by keyboards (mainly Mellotron) with a very self made style.

Ad Infinitum
self-titled
(1998)
USA

70's-inspired Symphonic Prog. Their sound reminds me somewhat of the 70's American group Cathedral, in the way that they seem to be inspired by equal parts Yes and Genesis. With Ad Infinitum you can throw in a little bit of ELP as well. So, not very original, but then obviously it's not intended to be. There's a Roger Dean cover, most songs are about 10 minutes long, there are song names like "All Hallows Eve" and the lyrics - well, we just won't mention those. On the other hand, this really is a nice sounding record. Lots of 90's productions have a sterile, over-processed feel to them (especially on the drums), but this recording avoids much of that. Hats off to the engineer. Hats back on for the singer, who unfortunately has the type of voice that's an acquired taste - one that I haven't acquired yet. He has one of these annoying super-vibratos that's more appropriate for bands like Styx or Kansas. In a nutshell: music - Prog, vocals - AOR. Of course, this is my very subjective opinion, and the issues I have with this record won't bother a lot of people.
SA

(another request by our good friend Vadim)

Court
And you'll follow the wind's rush until their breath dwells
(1993)
Italy

Court is one of those new Italian bands which brings with it the italian prog of the 70's. Their music is directly influenced by Finisterre, and whoever talks about Finisterre is mentioning PFM. Lyrics are in English with that typical italian accent.

Court es una de esas nuevas bandas italianas que mantienen el sonido de los 70. Su música está muy influenciada por Finisterre, y quien dice Finisterre está mencionando PFM. Con letras en inglés se nota el típico acento italiano en las voces.

However
Calling
(1985)
USA

Released some 4 years after their first record, this second studio effort finds the group venturing into more accessible territory while remaining true to their Progressive roots. A new female vocalist is added, guitars play a more prominent role and the songs are shorter in general, with several clocking in at under 4 minutes. None of this proves to be a bad thing at all and fans of Progressive music shouldn't be disappointed. Although I dearly love Sudden Dusk, sometimes it seemed more like a project due to the numerous guest musicians and the abundance of instruments used. Calling on the other hand sounds more like the product of a real band. There's a new level of maturity to the compositions and the arrangements are definitely tighter. Now instead of sounding like a Gentle Giant or Canterbury-influenced band, they sound like the type of band you'd like, if you like that type of sound - if that makes sense. A worthy addition to your collection.

SA

Requested by our Blogger friend Vadim over at Rare & Vintage - please check out his excellent site.

Drama

Drama

(1995)
France

As the name suggests, one would expect this band to be related to Yes' style. Well, I must say a part of it is true. 100% instrumental, the bass sounds like Chris's Rickenbacker, and some tunes may remind you Yes and perhaps some Steve Hackett - but only in the first half of the CD. The second part begins to turn more to a fusion style while mantaining the musical trend of the first. That is, it seems like that in the second half these guys are defining their own style which is for sure very interesting.

Ünder Linden
Live
(2003)
Argentina
Ciertamente del circuito under, este CD (bootleg) muestra la energía de este grupo en una grabación en vivo con excelente sonido. Ünder Linden es una banda originaria de La Plata (Capital de Buenos Aires) nacida en 2002 con es miembros de la legendaria banda Farenheit. Su nombre viene de una avenida principal de Berlin (Ünder Der Linden) que significa "bajo los tilos", precisamente los árboles de la ciudad de La Plata son retoños de aquellos tilos. Su música de prog sinfónico está centrada en una base de teclados, batería y bajo que hacen de soporte a la guitarra y el violín que juegan un papel de solistas virtuosos. La base rítmica es sólida y variada, con momentos de calma y placidez hasta una vorágine de música aplastante que está muy bien ajustada.

I bet you've never heard of these guys. Of course they're from the underground circuit, and this CD (bootleg) shows the energy of the band Live with excellent sound. Ünder Linden was formed in La Plata (Capital of Buenos Aires) in 2002 with former members of the legendary band Farenheit. Their name comes from a main avenue in Berlin which is lined with trees. Their Symphonic-Prog Rock is centered around keyboards, drums and bass supporting the guitar and violin which take the lead roles. The rhythm section is solid and varied, with moments of calmness and placidity combined with an accomplished harder-edged Rock sound.

The Mahavishnu Project
Return to the Emerald Beyond
(2007)
USA

Here's a nice one for all of you Mahavishnu Orchestra fans and Fusion lovers in general. This incredible tribute band takes on the monumental task of recreating on-stage one of my all-time favorite Fusion records - 1975's Visions of the Emerald Beyond. With little or no Live material on which to base their performances, The Mahavishnu Project takes the approach of attempting to capture the essence of what the original songs might have sounded like in concert, rather than a note-by-note recreation of the original album. For the most part, they do a fantastic job. These guys are all exceptional players, and you'll be amazed at how they they manage to keep these ultra-complex compositions sounding fresh and exciting some 32 years after the fact. Guitarist Glenn Alexander and drummer Greg Bendian are particular stand-outs, and there are several moments when you'd swear you were listening to the original group. There are some notable differences - keyboards replace the rhythm guitars in several places, and woodwinds handle melodies here and there that were performed on violin on the original album (which is a bit strange as this group includes 5 string players). Another exception is the vocals. I'm afraid that in my opinion vocalist Maria Neckham doesn't quite cut it. She's on pitch and everything, but for some reason she sounds distant and disinterested. Still, it's a small complaint and has little or no effect on the success of the record, as the vocals are few and far between. This is a wonderful presentation of what might have been, and has the "official" approval of Mr. McLaughlin himself. One helluva listening experience - grab it.

SA

Volaré
The Uncertainty Principle
(1997)
USA

This is my favorite Canterbury band that's not actually from Canterbury. Admittedly, I'm a bit biased. They hail from Athens, GA, a small college town not far from where I live that's known for its great music scene. REM, The B-52's and Widespread Panic are just a few of the Athens groups to gain national and international attention. Volaré's music is absolutely fantastic stuff - if you didn't know better, you'd swear this album was some long-lost Hatfield or National Health recording. These are groups that I hold in the highest esteem, so I don't make these comparisons frivolously. Volaré's originality lies in the way that they blend elements of Symphonic Prog into their music - something a band like say, Gilgamesh would shy away from. Volaré makes no attempt to hide their Symphonic influences. In addition to the obligatory electric piano, thick Hammond chords and Mellotron choirs show up from time-to-time, as well as synth and acoustic piano parts that may bring to mind Happy The Man or even Genesis. The Uncertainty Principle is a record of tremendous depth, to be thoroughly explored and ultimately cherished. The musicianship is impeccable and the sound quality is beyond reproach. My highest recommendation.

SA

Conventum
Le Bureau Central Des Utopies
(1979)
Canada

Second release from this Chamber/Folk Prog group - perhaps the most accomplished musicians out of all the 70's Québecois Progsters. Conventum combined several musical elements into one decidedly French-Canadian experience. This record can evoke either the solitude of the cold, dark North, or the playful atmosphere of Québec City during Carnival at any given time. Predominantly instrumental, these guys aren't' the types to stick with any one particular style for very long. The traditional and modern join hands at every opportunity - a Breton reel gives way to a Zeuhl-fueled guitar meltdown, a jaunty Cabaret ditty sets the stage for an intense RIO-inspired diatribe against modern society. Deceptively acoustic sounding at first listen, violin and acoustic guitar often take the spotlight, but this is definitely a Rock band. Thick, punchy electric bass lines provide a solid rhythmic foundation, while chaotic electric guitar excursions often push the band towards the experimental. Flute, mandolin, 12-string, Upright bass and percussion are all occasionally employed to great effect. Terrific.

SA

Atempo

Simple

(2005)

Argentina

Segundo trabajo de esta banda neo progresiva con el estilo progresivo de los 70. En esta formación con cambios de la ex Nexus Mariela Gonzales por Zeta quien cumple un buen reemplazo en la voz líder de la banda. En su música puede detectarse las influencias de Génesis y tal vez Marillion. Un buen disco de esta banda con músicos de gran categoría.

Second work of this Neo-progressive band with a style oriented to the 70's. On this album, ex-Nexus Mariela Gonzalez is replaced by Zeta on vocals. In their music you may detect the influences of Genesis and maybe Marillion. A good record with a qualified set of musicians.

After Crying
Show
(2003)
Hungary
I've read there are a few new members here, including a new vocalist. A great recent album from After Crying. After the fantastic four opening tracks, the band moves in more experimental directions at times, but the melodies stay strong, although less in the foreground. The playing is impeccable. The music is a cohesive combination of ELP plus Crimson Progressive Rock. A recommendable album and certainly worth anyone's attention.

Guillermo Cides
Primitivo
(1998)
Argentina

Stickista argentino de gran formación musical. Guillermo Cides trabajó por mas de 10 años con el stick hasta lograr la maduración suficiente que desembocó en este gran album donde influencias de Levin era Crimson son evidentes. Mezcla de ritmos con acompañamiento de percusión, flauta y voces hacen de este un album para ser tenido en cuenta.
Argentinean stickist with a wide musical range. Guillermo Cides worked over 10 years with the stick, developing a technique which resulted in this great album, where influences of Levin's Crimson-era are evident. Mixes of rhythms with percussion, flutes and voices make this an album to be taken into account.

October Equus
self-titled
(2006)
Spain

Exciting new instrumental quartet, proving once again that Symphonic Prog - although approaching its 40th birthday - is still a viable and vibrant form of musical expression for young players. Taking cues from both Lark's-era Crimson and Anglagard, guitars and keyboards play equally prominent roles in such a way that you could take out either player and this music would still sound rich and complete. Together they form an amazing wall of sound - dark and intense but never dreary or heavy. The rhythm section absolutely smokes - the drumming is complex and powerful, and the bass is rock-solid and melodic, sitting perfectly in the mix. This record has only recently come to my attention, and I'm still in the process of taking it all in, but so far I have to say this is one of the best things I've heard this year. An excellent debut and a must-have.

SA

Extra special thanks to "urkani" for sharing this incredible album.