FADING BEAUTY

This is one of the first Symphonic albums to come out of Germany. And it's nothing like TRIUMVIRAT or even NOVALIS for that matter.This is melancholic and plodding with plenty of synths and mellotron. There are basically two side long suites with the first side being divided into two parts.

The "Autumn Fantasia" suite has no lyrics but there are vocal melodies. The band has this to say about this suite."This is the story of each of us, the story of Autumn, of life's last faithful breath, which contains both the saddest and the most terrified sensation a living individual will ever be able to feel before the everlasting writer gently turns him to nothing". Very uplifting stuff (haha).

"Autumn Fantasia : Fading Beauty" opens with organ and mellotron that lasts for almost 1 1/2 minutes when organ, drums and guitar take over. Drums stop before 6 minutes as acoustic guitar and organ start to lead the way. Drums are back after 7 minutes with prominant bass. Mellotron and picked guitar stands out before 10 minutes. Drums and bass are back before 11 1/2 minutes. It blends into "Autumn Fantasia : Lingering Cold". Powerful organ comes in followed by mellotron and strummed guitar. Vocal melodies too. It starts to pick up with bass out in front. Piano and vocal melodies follow a minute later. Back to mellotron as it continues to change. Piano and vocal melodies end it. "Tharsis" has a lot of lyrics and is this fantasy tale about the end of the earth. Yes these guys have a very positive outlook. Aagin it's slow moving and melancholic with lots of reserved vocals. It does turn chaotic after 19 minutes as we get cries and lots of upheaval. A calm with vocals ends it.

For many this is a classic but I don't agree. It's interesting that FAITHFUL BREATH would become a Metal band in the eighties.