SECRETS OF ASTROLOGY

Well, after the highly successful Queen Of The Ocean, I guess Lana Lane faced the same problem of everyone who finally releases a masterpiece: what to do next? Instead of risking repeat the formula, Lane and her husband, keyboardist/arranger/engineer/producer Erik Norlander, decided to try something new. Norlander and Lane had already guested on Arjen Anthony Luccasen´s Ayreon project, so they decided to say goodbye to the musicians they have worked so well thus far and go to Holland. Not surprisingly several musicians featured here are Lucassen´s sidemen (only bassist Tony Frankim went along with them).

As one can expect, the resulting material is considerable heavier than on Lane´s previous albums. There´s a subtle but strong Ayeron influence all over the CD. Even if the progressive elements are right there, especially on Norlander´s part, the classic rock/hard rock is not, replaced by heavy metal riffing and arrangements. if the new formula is better or worse, it´s a matter of your personal taste. Generally speaking I liked the album, although Secrets Of Astrology never reaches the beauty and elegance of Queen Of The Ocean, and much of her previous stuff for that matter. There are several fine moments like the title track (a real classic) and Long Winter Dreams (the closest they got here to their former sound. It is no surprise that it´s also the album´s best track). As usual, no sing is really bad or weak. The production and engineering are also terrific: Erik Norlander is definitely a Jack Of All Trades!

Conclusion: an interesting move and a nice album. If you like Lane´s more prog metal leanings you´ll certainly love it. My rating keeps shifting from3 to 4 stars, but 3.5 would be more precise.