PALAM

Not many people know about this overlooked German act from the southern part of the country, formed in 1972 and being active until 1986 with drummer and flutist Ulrich Steurer as the leading figure.Sammelsurium had a cult following around the time, but took a long break in mid-80's due to family and job commitments.Ten years later the band was revived with the farewell line-up, these were (besides Steurer) Raimund Goeppert on guitar, Gerhard Friedrich on keyboards and Thomas Schwarz on bass, plus female singer Viola de Galgoczy.In 1997 they eventually put out their first prodution ''Palam'' on the unknown Roundabout Music Records.

70 minutes of music, five tracks are 10/10+ min. long and the whole album follows the vein of 70's Classic Prog with dominant symphonic and jazzy influences.Despite the use of modern keyboards they do sound quite old-fashioned in terms of arrangements and stylings, recalling many of the late-70's/early-80's German groups like WERWOLF, ANYONE'S DAUGHTER, ROUSSAEU, REBEKKA and the likes plus a touch of HAPPY THE MAN during the jazzier moments, pretty reasonable of a direction, as the band has matured in the 70's decade.The song structures are quite complex and pretty fascinating with tasteful female vocals surrounding a huge instrumental sound, featuring melodious themes, pre-Neo Prog stylings, symphonic arrangements and strong Fusion interplays.The sound is mostly based on guitars and keyboards with a little flute in the process, copying the Teutonic Symphonic Rock standards, with ethereal atmospheres followed by rich textures and some impressive tempo changes and breaks.Definitely a great work for all fans of Classic Prog, there are some nice and emphatic guitar/keyboard fests in here, supported by lovely atmospheric passages and a really cool vocalist with a clean singing, which comes mostly in English.Most of the bands playing this particular style had a grandiose epic sound and Sammelsurium belong to the list as well, the sometimes spacious synths and the FLOYD/CAMEL-influenced guitar solos are dominant prooves of the fact.Some fine piano work with delicate interludes is included as well and the overall result is always dense and diverse.

Around 2000 Gerhard Friedrich was replaced on keyboards by Christian Steurer, who had been a member of the band during the 1975-84 period.The band is still around, performing and rehearsing regularly, can't wait for their second album.

For fans of Classic Prog, you should look no further.Long tracks with symphonic overtones and multiple variations, enlightended by a gifted female singer.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.