FADING BEAUTY

Not sure why such a superb symphonic combo would shift their music style into simple hard rock, and let me say this album should be one of symphonic progressive rock gems all around the world, especially as for the titled track upon the first side. Cannot say their play or technique be excellent but the potential of this track be incredible definitely.

Their masterpiece "Fading Beauty" ... one of the dreamiest opening is such a quite matured, harmonized mellotron one in the titled track. All through the album Manfred's sharp, and mellow keyboard hurricane should be the driving force behind such a symphonic rock soundscape, no suspicion. This theatrical progression is as splendid as the original classic one, we might suggest. Every scene sounds beautiful and gorgeous like the song title, and it is a pity they would vaporize such an artistic texture.

Of course the other two tracks are awesome too. "Lingering Gold" ... exactly in the same vein of "Fading Beauty" ... shows kaleidoscopic appearance along with complexly rhythmic verses. Also a tragic female chorus is fantastic. And we cannot avoid crying guitar plays. The last longest track "Tharsis", that means a volcanic plain area upon the Mars, is very powerful like a fire, and very challenging like a mysterious space for us. Not so good the voices and the rhythm section are, but dramatic keyboard or mellotron showers can ease us in. The latter part is a tad clumsy for so-called art rock but we can hear their conflict in a dilemma between popularity and artistic motivation. As you may realize, this hard-edged sound explosions might be thought as an advance hint for their drastic style alteration later.

Cannot call this album as a symphonic prog recommendation but I'm sure you would spend a useful moment with the three gems, if you are a symphonic freak.