CAIRO

The opening track on this, the debut album from this American band, gives some associations to Arabic folk music. Then the western sound come through. The sound is a mix of Genesis, ELP and Yes. I would also include Saga here. The final 22 minutes long Ruins At Avalon's Gate opus is a definate ELP rip-off. Somehow, I quite like this album. I loved it when it was first released, but it has faded in my estimation. The album has too much commercial AOR leanings in my view. My musical preferences has moved in a different direction, ie symphonic prog. This album is not enough true symphonic prog in my view. When that is said, this is not a bad album. It has some great pieces of music and comes across as a good album. The musicianship is also great. I still listen a lot to this album and I would recommend it to everyone.

Non essential, but still a good prog album.