by Blake | Apr 26, 2017 | Prog Report
by Joel Barrios
The 1980s were a special decade for metal, where the genre was specially more open-minded and inventive. Acts such as Queensrÿche and Crimson Glory took metal to realms it was completely new to, and their sound was very influential for many modern musicians. As a logical consequence of that evolution, other bands seized the roots of that metal-esque songwriting and delved further into what their forefathers did, adding some uniqueness and searching deeper for a less accessible sound. That was the dawn of the sub-genre we all know now as progressive-metal.
Thirty years ago, one album saw the light of day: “Awaken the Guardian”. It showed a band not only creating their own sound, but stepping outside the boundaries of their time. A monumental execution of a brilliant musical idea crafted in an outlandish way, it became not only a milestone in the band’s career, but also a good definition of “unique”. Its main goal was to be different, which it was successful in doing and, despite being overshadowed at the time of its release by the unveiling of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”, Slayer’s “Reign in Blood”, Megadeth’s “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?” and Iron Maiden’s “Somewhere in Time” to name a few, it continues to be exceptionally appreciated as a complex, esoteric, and I’d dare to say arcane masterpiece.
On April 28th, 2017, Fates Warning will officially release “Awaken the Guardian Live”, a celebration of that legendary album which ironically holds the honor as the band’s very first release to debut on the Billboard chart and at the same time marked the end of the Arch’s era. Fates Warning’s mastermind and main songwriter Jim Mattheos reassembled the “Awaken The Guardian” era lineup with John Arch at the mic, bassist Joe DiBiase, drummer Steve Zimmerman, and guitarist Frank Aresti for two special festival appearances last year: Keep It True XIX in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany and ProgPower USA XVII in Atlanta, Georgia. At both shows Fates Warning performed the “Awaken the Guardian” in its entirety. The German show, directed and edited by Oliver “Bomber” Barth, also included “The Apparition”, “Damnation”, “Night On Brocken”, and “Epitaph” as bonuses, meanwhile at ProgPower USA, “Damnation”, “The Apparition”, “Kyrie Eleison” and “Epitaph” were added to the performance of their milestone album. The sound recording and video editing of the US show were in the capable hands of Kent Smith. Both shows were mixed and mastered by Bill Metoyer.
After three decades, the most impending question for many fans was whether the band could do justice to such unwavering and demanding set of songs. I was fortunate enough to be amongst the ones in attendance at ProgPower USA XVII last September, and all I can remember is myself asking “How the heck are they pulling this off?”. I have now seen the Germany show as well, and I can assure you are in for a treat. Hearing the album in its original form is a true marvelous experience, but watching it live adds an additional taste that’s just as wonderfully pleasant as one could ever hope for. The band is firing on all cylinders, blasting energy and rapture in all directions. The haunting, yet melodious acoustic intros, the unconventional riffs, the very strange time signatures, the thrashy sections, the choruses… these veterans outdo themselves in front of two packed-to-the-roof venues, filled with euphoric and captivated spectators. I wasn’t really expecting this synergy, considering how many years had passed since they performed together for the last time, but the majesty of such a decisive record is highly palpable; topped off by Arch’s mind-blowing and masterful vocal melodies. How he can hit the same intricate high notes in passages like “I’m a fire without a flame, helpless child without a name with broken wings”, while keeping his truly charismatic tone throughout the entire set is, and probably will ever, be a mystery.
The camera work and video editing is outstanding for both sets, being the ProgPower USA show slightly more enjoyable in my opinion: the band showcases a higher-degree of confidence on-stage and the sound packs an overall punchier, heavier tone. But fear not, both presentations have their own distinct flavor and freshness, turning the whole set into a visual experience of tremendous caliber. “Awaken the Guardian Live” also features art direction, design, and artwork by famed Greek-born artist Ioannis (www.dangerousage.com) who also created the original album cover.
Even when Fates Warning would become a fully progressive-metal band with their next album “No Exit”, “Awaken the Guardian” was the watershed release for them, that killer album any metalhead can turn to for an unrelenting display of guitar prowess. The feeling it evokes, the mystical, otherworldly hum that seems to rise-up from its music, is astoundingly brought back to life and documented like never-before in this fantastic live release, which we recommend as a great testimony of the evolution of the genre.
The set is available at http://metalblade.com/fateswarning
Released on April 28th, 2017
Live at Keep It True XIX
01. The Sorceress
02. Valley of the Dolls
03. Fata Morgana
04. Guardian
05. Prelude to Ruin
06. Giant’s Lore (Heart of Winter)
07. Time Long Past
08. Exodus
09. The Apparition
10. Damnation
11. Night on Brocken
12. Epitaph
Live at ProgPower XVII
01. The Sorceress
02. Valley of the Dolls
03. Fata Morgana
04. Guardian
05. Prelude to Ruin
06. Giant’s Lore (Heart of Winter)
07. Time Long Past
08. Exodus
09. Damnation
10. The Apparition
11. Kyrie Eleison
12. Epitaph
The post Fates Warning – Awaken the Guardian Live (Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.
Source:: Prog Report
by Blake | Apr 26, 2017 | Prog Report
Nad Sylvan, vocalist with Steve Hackett and Agents Of Mercy, has announced the release of his new solo album ‘The Bride Said No’ for May 26th, 2017. The album sees Nad joined by a myriad of guests including Roine Stolt, Steve Hackett, Guthrie Govan, Tony Levin, Jonas Reingold, Nick D’Virgilio, Doane Perry & more.
You can now watch the official video for his latest single ‘The Quartermaster’ here:
Nad comments: “Let me introduce the Vampirate’s drinking buddy!
But is it wine or blood they’re having? Who cares.
The roaring sea takes us to an undiscovered desert island where the next chapter begins…”
The album is available on special edition CD digipak, gatefold 2LP vinyl + CD & digital download. Pre-order digitally at iTunes & Amazon MP3 from tomorrow and receive ‘The Quartermaster’ immediately.
The full track-listing for the album is as follows:
1. Bridesmaids
2. The Quartermaster
3. When The Music Dies
4. The White Crown
5. What Have You Done
6. Crime Of Passion
7. A French Kiss In An Italian Café
8. The Bride Said No
In 2015, Nad Sylan impressed everyone with his fine conceptual solo album ‘Courting The Widow’. A vampiric tale wrapped in a 17th century atmosphere, this definitively marked out the talented Swede as a surging star in the progressive rock world.
Now, Sylvan is back with ‘The Bride Said No’, an album that continues the fascinating plot, albeit with a far more extravagant musical palette. “I didn’t originally have the idea of going on with this story on the new album. But what happened was that I revisited a song called ‘The Bride Said No’, which I began to write in 1989. I kept a few of the early ideas I had for the verses and also that title, but the rest of the song is brand new. However, the title itself got me thinking that it made sense if this were used in relation to the vampirate character from ‘Courting The Widow’. And the whole thing developed from there.”
On the creative side, what the new album does is to expand Sylvan’s horizons, as he explains. “Musically, the previous record was very much located in the 1970s, and you can still hear a little of that here. But this one is a lot more modern sounding and diverse. In fact, I would say it’s closer to musical theatre than anything else.”
‘The Bride Said No’ takes what Sylvan has done before and elevates it with a new creative sensibility. He has plans for a final chronicle of this ‘vampirate’ trilogy. But that’s for the future. Right now, we can all revel in the delights of this eight track masterpiece.
“I set out to take things even further than before. I believe I have succeeded.”
Nad has most recently been seen performing alongside the legendary Steve Hackett as part of his Genesis Revisited with Classic Hackett tour, which continues across the world during 2017.
The post Nad Sylvan – “The Quartermaster” (Official Video) appeared first on The Prog Report.
Source:: Prog Report
by Blake | Apr 25, 2017 | Prog Report
On the last day of the most recent Cruise to the Edge, this past February, it was announce that Marillion, Yes, Saga, and a handful of other bands were already committed for the next excursion in 2018. Over the last couple of months, more bands have been announced, and as of April 25th, the lineup now includes 20 bands. Among those that were recently added are Adrian Belew, Carl Palmer, Haken, and a new unknown supergroup that features Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian. The cruise is from Feb 3-8, 2018 and again leaves out of Tampa, Fl making stops in Belize and Costa Maya. For more info visit: cruisetotheedge.com
The full lineup is:
Yes
Marillion
Saga
Haken
Gong
Anathema
Carl Palmer
Martin Barre
Glass Hammer
Adrian Belew
Lifesigns
Stick Men
Sound of Contact
Moon Safari
Io Earth
Thank You Scientist
Bad Dreams
Baraka
The post Cruise to the Edge lineup taking shape appeared first on The Prog Report.
Source:: Prog Report
by Blake | Apr 25, 2017 | Prog Report
The resurgence of progressive rock has been undeniable in recent years, whether it is through music cruises, Prog magazines and websites, award shows or festivals. It has been seen in the appreciation of music from the past, such as Yes and Rush getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But when it comes to new bands, it has largely found success in bands that incorporate metal or electronica (or both), attempts to be avant-garde or mysterious, or often relishing in melancholy. And then there is the outlier, Big Big Train, who in the most unlikely of ways and in the most unlikely of times, have seen their popularity continue to grow, decades into their career, with members who are far past their 20s, and with no inkling of metal or electronica. Rather, their sound is the truest celebration of classic Prog as established by groups like Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull, and Genesis, and with no apologies. But their approach is authentic, and not derivative in any way. It is this authenticity, along with the masterful musicianship and skilled storytelling, that have built this band into one of the most important prog groups of the last 10 years. With their latest album, the magnificent Grimspound, they continue to cement themselves among the Prog elite.
It is hard to write a review of this band without sounding like an adoring fan. Most reviewers of this band are. To get the music, it sometimes helps. However, it is not difficult to find things to love about this bands music. There is just nothing like it. It hits you at your core, makes you think, makes you read the lyrics and figure out the stories behind each song. It demands patience and repeat listens. You don’t check Facebook during a listen, or look at the clock. This mentality might be what brought to group to make this album, which was originally intended to be a companion EP to their 2016 album ‘Folklore’, a brilliant album that stood true to its title, with the songs all telling tales and the music acting as the soundtrack. A few leftover songs from ‘Folklore’ evolved into a full album of 8 songs, 3 of which are over 10 minutes long. These songs needed to be written and the stories needed to be told. That is how we arrive at Grimspound.
“Brave Captain” is immediately captivating, with a brief intro the song erupts on the wings of one of the most direct and rocking themes the band has ever composed. Where the last album featured celtic sounds from the start, this one starts with a rock approach. The song is listed as a 4 parter that tells the story of Captain Albert Ball, who died a war hero in 1973. The song is told through the eyes of a boy who recalls the story his dad told to him about the Captain. Musically, this is one of the strongest on the album and an early favorite for song of the year, from the epic guitar and strings, to the build at the end, this song has everything.
The second track “On the Racing Line” continues the story of racer John Cobb, the subject of the track “Brookland” on the last album. This instrumental, oddly placed as the second track, has a bit of a jazzy fusion influence, something new for the group. Nick D’Virgilio lets loose on this one and shows why he is still one of the best drummers in the world. This is a mammoth instrumental.
The other highlights on the album are the 3rd track, and recent single, “Experimental Gentlemen”, which has a more familiar sound and structure to older BBT tracks, and the title track, which starts as a beautiful ballad but has a one of the standout moments on the album with the middle section where the music picks up. The transition is surprising and, as a change on on earlier theme, it’s so simple, but so brilliant.
The album’s longest track is “A Mead Hall in Winter” which is as Proggy a song as you will find. The song shifts through a number of themes and melodies over the course of 15 minutes. Halfway through it seems as though the song is finished but there is so much more to behold. Another more upbeat, rocking track, the song finds the band again taking a more direct, organic approach. David Longdon takes this song over, along with the group’s signature background vocals. Throughout the album, as on this track, the guitars are much more prominent than in some of their work. There are fewer brass instruments, flutes and heavy orchestration as before. So while the group have their style, there is a change in feel and vibe overall.
The album closes on the somber “As the Crow Flies”, a sparsely produced track, with an acoustic guitar and D’Virgilio’s precise drumming carrying the song. It is a bit of an odd choice to close what is largely an uplifting album, but it is indeed a Big Big Train song through and through. It is no wonder the band were so intent on pushing out this new album only one year after ‘Folklore’. The band is as in synch as they have ever been. They are in that rare space that some bands get in, where everything they do is good. As Longdon sings on the final track, “All Here Is Good”. Indeed it is.
Big Big Train are the reincarnation of all the good elements of classic 70s Prog, done in their own unique way. If you never liked Big Big Train at all this is an album that might stand a chance to covert you to a degree. If you were already a fan, you should adore this album. Grimspound is a treasure, containing some of the best this genre has to offer, from a band that right now can do no wrong.
Released on April 28th, 2017
Key Tracks: Brave Captain, Grimspound, A Mead Hall in Winter
Tracklisting:
1-Brave Captain 12:37
2-On The Racing Line 5:12
3-Experimental Gentlemen 10:01
4-Meadowland 3:36
5-Grimspound 6:56
6-The Ivy Gate 7:27
7-A Mead Hall In Winter 15:20
8-As The Crow Flies 6:44
Andy Poole – guitars, bass, keyboards
Greg Spawton – bass, backing vocals, guitars, keyboards
Nick D’Virgilio – drums, backing vocals, percussion
David Longdon – lead vocals, flute, keyboards, guitars
Dave Gregory – guitars
Danny Manners – keyboards, double bass
Rachel Hall – violin, backing vocals
Rikard Sjöblom – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
The post Big Big Train – Grimspound (Album Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.
Source:: Prog Report
by Blake | Apr 24, 2017 | Prog Report
by Craig Ellis Bacon
Arjen Anthony Lucassen’s Ayreon returns with ‘The Source’. For those who know and love Ayreon already, this mere statement of fact will probably suffice for a review. Indeed, everything great about past Ayreon albums is here on ‘The Source’, except that it’s bigger and more. For you newcomers to the Ayreon universe, welcome! You’re going to enjoy your time here.
Like past Ayreon albums, ‘The Source’ is a huge musical-theatre-meets-progressive-metal production. The plot is a relatively straightforward sci-fi extravaganza that serves as prequel to ‘01011001′ and includes several connections to that album, including references to “Liquid Eternity” and the “Age Of Shadows,” as well as lyrics sung in binary code. However, the story is self-contained, recounting how a worldwide computer tasked with sustaining human life on the planet Alpha decides to extinguish human life instead, whilst a small team of people escape to the distant ocean Planet Y to propagate the species there. The team escapes the dark death of a ‘Sea Of Machines’ for a dark life as an ‘Aquatic Race’; thematically, this is a basic sci-fi take on the cyclical futility of technological progress and ‘The Human Compulsion’ to repeat our worst mistakes.
Musically, long-time Lucassen collaborator Ed Warby leads the charge with his nearly relentless powerhouse drumming across bombastic musical numbers influenced by best of mid-70’s to mid-80’s heavy metal, hard rock, prog, AOR, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and of course Lucassen’s own vast catalogue. There’s a lot going on here, but Warby is front and center in an incredibly clear mix that respects both vocal and instrumental separation. Chalk that up also to Lucassen’s superb arrangements that coordinate thirteen vocalists and a plethora of instrumental flourishes in such a way that everything sounds exactly in its place. Opening track “The Day That The World Breaks Down” encapsulates the album’s musical synthesis with its introduction of most of the featured vocalists, progressive textures of Canterbury-inspired flute and Kansas-esque violin, almost industrial riffs and synth swells, Hammond vamps, and blues grooves. Just when the epic begins to wind down, Floor Jansen’s soul-shaking vocal sounds the Reveille.
Again, the album as a whole sounds like the best of Ayreon’s past, but more guitar-oriented and with even more musical texture. “Everybody Dies” invokes Webber in its big cast vocal workout—including growls—and is such heavy fun that one might suspect Lucassen of a bit of mischief in making this description of worldwide death and destruction such an upbeat sing-along track. “All That Was” quiets down a little to allow the characters a bit of emotional reminiscing before the full-on gallop of “Run! Apocalypse! Run!” offers its glimpse of an alternate musical world in which Rick Wakeman joined Iron Maiden for ‘Powerslave’. As the small remnant of humanity escapes destruction, “Deathcry Of A Race” combines the heavier moments of Jethro Tull with Mediterranean string sounds and evocative Arabic vocals. “Into The Ocean” deftly weaves together classic Deep Purple Hammond organ and Dio-inspired vocals, while the proper closing of the story on “Journey To Forever” takes Rabin-era Yes vocals and guitars for its musical framing.
‘The Source’ is more than a sum of musical influences, of course; the album sounds less like a pastiche than it does like Lucassen had a ton of fun working little tributes into his own distinctive idiom. This sense of fun and bombast, augmented by the precision of the arrangements and virtuosity of the performances, lifts ‘The Source’ above the confines of its conventional storyline. The number of guests that contribute outstanding performances are almost too many to count including the likes of James Labrie, Tommy Rogers, Russell Allen, Paul Gilbert, Guthrie Govan and man, many others. There’s just so much here to satisfy a listener, and this reviewer has played the album on repeat for weeks. It’s unlikely that 2017 will see another release this expansive, energetic, varied, and fun. While many anticipated releases remain on the calendar, just see whether ‘The Source’ doesn’t spend more time in your car than any other album this year.
Check out our recent interview with Arjen Lucassen here.
Released April 28, 2017 on Mascot Label Group
Key Tracks: The Day That The World Breaks Down, Everybody Dies, Run! Apocalypse! Run!, Deathcry Of A Race, Into The Ocean, The Source Will Flow
Disc One
1. The Day That The World Breaks Down 12:32
2. Sea Of Machines 5:08
3. Everybody Dies 4:42
4. Star Of Sirrah 7:03
5. All That Was 3:36
6. Run! Apocalypse! Run! 4:52
7. Condemned To Live 6:14
Disc Two
1. Aquatic Race 6:46
2. The Dream Dissolves 6:11
3. Deathcry Of A Race 4:43
4. Into The Ocean 4:53
5. Bay Of Dreams 4:24
6. Planet Y Is Alive! 6:02
7. The Source Will Flow 4:13
8. Journey To Forever 3:19
9. The Human Compulsion 2:15
10. March Of The Machines 1:40
The post Ayreon – The Source (Album Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.
Source:: Prog Report
by Blake | Apr 24, 2017 | Prog Report
by Prog Nick
I openly admit that I am a Magenta fanatic – I have loved this leading Welsh Prog band for years. Having made that statement (but no apology for it), I am tasked with giving an objective analysis of Magenta’s long-awaited new album, “We Are Legend”.
Magenta officially comprises keyboard virtuoso/producer/composer Rob Reed, massively underrated guitarist Chris Fry, and award-winning vocalist Christina Booth. On this album, they are joined by regular live bassist Dan Nelson, and respected new drummer Jon ‘Jiffy’ Griffiths. Rob’s brother Steve contributes the lyrics.
Something that first attracted me to Magenta, particularly 2004‘s sophomore release “Seven” (one of my all-time favourite albums), was their ability to conjure Yes-like mindscapes, and make me feel the same sense of musical wonder that Yes created in the early 70’s. This was true Classic Prog, 21st Century style, with a stunning female vocalist. In Reed’s own words “Current prog bands are always scared and shy about admitting the influences of the great bands of the 70’s, and I wanted to…admit and celebrate those influences, and hopefully create something as worthwhile as those classic bands”. This he did, and we loved it.
One aspect that remained constant in Magenta’s earlier work was the extant presence of melody in every song. Melody emphasized by the unique combination of Reed’s composition and keyboard chops, Fry’s six-string excellence and Booth’s magnificent voice.
But after “Seven”, a few of the band’s releases variously displayed Reed’s penchant for wanting to “try something different”. This need, which was perfectly understandable for a musician of Reed’s stature, has, at times, resulted in varied responses, particularly when tougher or darker sounds were created (for example on 2008‘s “Metamorphosis”). There were, of course, many excellent moments on every album the band recorded, but the consistency of melody to be found on “Seven” was at times elusive. This matter was clearly and firmly addressed with Magenta’s 2013 release, “The Twenty-seven Club”. The latter was a clarion call, announcing that the classic sound of Magenta had returned. Very few people had a negative word to say about that album.
Which brings us to 2017, and guess what? When the new release was announced, Magenta’s eager fans were again informed that Reed was going to “try something different”. “Why,” I asked myself, “after the brilliance of The Twenty-Seven Club, would this great band want to change a thing?” I anticipated this release with a little trepidation, because I did not want the band that produced “Seven” and “The Twenty-Seven Club” to change. And honestly, I did not think that 2013’s masterful release could be bettered.
Well, dear Reader, you will be happy to know that my paranoia was completely unfounded. Change can indeed be good, and Mr Reed and his cohorts have just proved it. While this album is neither a repeat of “Seven” or “The Twenty Seven Club”, and it is in parts, even a departure from the Magenta of old, it is nonetheless brilliant in a different, yet still familiar way. While innovative and modern, it somehow remains faithful to the band’s classic roots, and is immensely fulfilling.
“We Are Legend” is comprised of one 27-minute epic and two shorter songs. Does this sound familiar? Well, you will be pleased to know that while Magenta have referenced their 70’s influences where necessary, they have also proceeded to innovate without compromise where they felt the need to do so, and the result is spectacular.
“Trojan” is a dystopian sci-fi story of war against machines attacking mankind from the ocean. A 27 minute journey, with several distinct parts, it starts with eerie keyboard sounds and a gentle melody that explodes into a heavy guitar passage – Magenta mean business. Early on, forceful new recruit Griffiths makes his presence felt, and while Reed and Fry call the instrumental shots, Nelson and Griffiths admirably complete an already formidable attack. We are under way, and Booth’s magnificent voice is introduced in one of the most powerful, driving verses that Magenta have created. A superb middle section, presenting the melody in gentler fashion, gives way to a stylish Fry solo at the sixth minute, after which Booth and the rest of the band play call-and-answer in a manner familiar to Magenta fans, but this time with a sci-fi twist.
There is a clear intention on this piece to give each performer a chance to shine, and this is in every manner successful. Above all, the song has every perspective you would desire in a Prog epic. Expect tenderness and anger, weight and light, dizzying mixed imagery, theatrical delivery, distinctly different parts stitched together into a common theme, and a strong pull at every one of your emotions.
The band is in top form and precision is the order of the day. Griffiths’ fills are perfectly worked out often to be exactly what Fry and Nelson are playing – it’s a considered performance, with every stroke carefully prepared, one believes, under Reed’s guidance. Fry’s guitar work, as always, is staggering. He performs jazz progressions with deceptive ease, and his interludes of acoustic picking are particularly tasteful. Of course his electric solos are, without exception, astounding. One also feels that Nelson, who despite his regular live appearances, recorded with Magenta for the first time here, has hit his stride with great precision and an immense sound. It goes without saying that Booth and Reed are magnificent performers, and deliver to the highest levels, as they always have.
With a song this length, the band is given room to breathe, and the composition goes through many peaks, valleys and everything in between. The main guitar solo is pure Floyd, and will unashamedly entice any Gilmour devotee. The gentle middle interlude gives Booth the scope to sound like an angel, with lyrics like ‘I look around in disbelief, our history is what brings me back to you.’ Her versatile voice goes from anguished wail to gentle caress, and reminds us that she more than deserves her numerous awards and accolades. Griffiths provides a roto-tom-like solo that is reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “Time”, which leads into a section where Reed syncopates new-age keyboard effects with Griffiths’ double bass drum (possibly intended to conjure the huge robots marching forward). This in turn leads into a guitar riff that is pure Magenta and could have been on “Seven”. Finally, a gargantuan modern rock passage leads to an ending of consolation and peace. Are you getting the picture? It’s classic Magenta mixed with “something new”.
“Trojan” stands up with the best that Reed has delivered. Technical wizardry and copious instrumental dexterity are there, but they are never allowed to stand without reference to melody, which always commands the composition.
If there is a criticism to be made, it might be that sometimes Steve Reed’s lyrics can be stylistically repetitive. (For example he often to starts a line with a present participle such as ‘hoping’ or ‘thinking’, or an infinitive such as “to grow’ or ‘to live’.) This can become noticeable in its regularity, but a lyricist so prolific can be forgiven this foible.
Second song “Colours” is about Vincent van Gogh. It starts with what sounds like the music from a child’s toy or musical box, before exploding into a veritable layer cake of tortured progressive sound – as tortured as the man it describes. If the song is about the palette of a genius, the musical colours painted by the band conjure just that. Booth almost spits out the lyrics when adopting van Gogh’s persona, and she perfectly evokes his madness. The middle section once again features Fry in full Gilmour mode and Reed channeling Rick Wright. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The toy music returns to usher in an anguished build-up on organ, guitar and vocals, all counterpointing magically. Griffiths’ precision and tightness again display why he is the right choice for the Magenta drum throne. As van Gogh’s life reaches its tormented end, the band keep pace with the theme in a slow whirlwind of calculated musical madness, ending in quiet resignation. “Colours” is a great song that shows Magenta at their startling best.
“Legend” is a driving behemoth of a song about the last survivors on Earth, starting in 7/4 timing. Angular and pointed in its attack, melody is again not forgotten in the verses and choruses which are a perfect vehicle for Booth’s emotive range. Lots of modern sci-fi sound effects, created by studio artifice, are woven into the tapestry of the song (another “something new” for Magenta), but again, Booth’s melodious voice saves the song from the ordinary or the artificial. Fry’s solo is immense, and Booth’s refrain of “Its Over” will move you to tears. The final passage, a pastoral then triumphant slow-march to bliss, reminds us of the 70’s Yes influence that made us fall in love with Magenta to begin with. The closing of this passage ends the album on a massive tympanic climax.
The album’s excellent artwork has a dystopian sci-fi combat look that reflects the central themes in the music.
Despite challenges posed by Booth’s recent illness and some personnel changes, Magenta have never gone away. They are here to stay, and while there might be a new flavour, new members and some new sounds, the bedrock of tasteful 70’s Prog that is classic Magenta has also not gone away. It just has a new twist.
I could easily have been disappointed by this release, because “The Twenty Seven Club” created very high expectations for me. But that is not even mildly the case. Magenta have once again extended themselves beyond what any reasonable fan can expect, and have delivered something classic that will appease diehard fans, but also something new that might just conjure a new audience.
On the strength of this album, I remain a Magenta fanatic, and once again, make no apology for that.
Released on April 27th, 2017
Tracklisting:
1-Trojan 26:09
2-Colours 10:47
3-Legend 11:33
The post Magenta – We Are Legend (Album Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.
Source:: Prog Report
