POWER AND THE PASSION

As concept albums were in fashion among Prog Rock acts of the 70's, Eloy's Frank Bornemann did not want to stay out of the game.Based on Gordon Bennit's scripts, the band invented a story about a character named Jamie, who took advantage of his father experiments and travelled through time, landing in Paris of 1358 and living a love story with a girl named Jeanne, who was suffering in the hands of the evil Zany Magician.It is rumored Eloy originally worked on a double-vinyl release, eventually ''Power and the Passion'' was released on Harvest during the second half of the 70's as a single LP.The album was recorded at Tonstudio Nedeltschev in Cologne during the summer of the same year, while Eloy had added another guitarist in the line-up, Detlev Schwaar.

Not only ''Power and the Passion'' was a new trend for the band regarding its concept story, but musically it finds the Germans in a rather transitional period.Of course the first few tracks present Eloy in their already familiar style of Heavy/Kraut Rock, based on the fiery riffs and the excellent organ moves, adding a bit of a Classical influence in some moments, and always highlighted by Bornemann's rusty voice.As the album and the story unfolds a new side of the group is progressively unleashed.The longer tracks feature extended Space/Symphonic Rock instrumentals with narrations and prominent use of synthesizers, delivering cosmic explorations and unique atmospheres.In the name of the concept the album develops a mix of old and new Eloy styilings, blending heavy parts with an organic sound with more psychedelic soundscapes, serving the mood of the concept.Wieczorke is credited a Mellotron in the album's notes, but ear experts insist on hearing a string synth instead, whatever it is its addition makes the sound of Eloy more dark and ethereal in the place of the more bombastic Hammond organ.The new elements do not stop here, grand and electric piano are also introduced with the sweet ''Thoughts Of Home'' being a nice example, though it much more resembles to a Horner clavinet.There are pretty nice changes, depending on the character and event each track refers to, with ''The Bells of Notre Dame'' being an absolutely great closing piece, featuring a spacey, orchestral approach based on string synthesizer and Bronermann's psychedelic guitars leading to a developing, grandiose outro, as our character Jamie returns back to present with the nostalgic sound of the bells reminding of his beloved Jeanne.

A very good attempt from Eloy in the concept fields.The new sound of the group is quite enganging with impressive shifts between hypnotic, storytelling lines and sharp Heavy Prog runs.Strongly recommended, even if you love the elder Eloy offerings...3.5 stars.