DRAGON

Originally named Burning Light, this Belgian group from Ath was formed in 1970 by brothers Georges and Jean Vanaise, having two lead vocalists.Shortly after Jean would handle the vocals and the stable line-up would be completed with Bernard Callaert on guitars and multi- instrumentalist Jean-Pierre Houx.Several appearances at festivals would follow, the band even used masks, make-ups and smoke machines, offering great shows.In 1976 they were joined by ex-Lagger Blues Machine Christian Duponcheel on keyboards/sax and they recorded their self-titled LP at Acorn studios.It was a private press of 1500 copies, distributed mostly by the band and Gamma Records.

The album opens with the light symphonic intro ''Intoduction'' with synths, organ, piano and smooth guitar interplays to be followed by ''Lucifer''.This one is a fine piece of jazzy Heavy Prog with somewhat dull melodramatic vocals and strong guitars, switching into a Space Rock opus after the middle with trippy vocals, good flute work, psychedelic guitars and supporting synths.''Leave me with tears'' is a bit dated, sort of Heavy/Psych Prog with both acoustic and electric guitars, polyphonic vocals but also some interesting solos throughout.''Gone in the wind'' comes like a cross between BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST and URIAH HEEP, Heavy Blues Rock with piano and mellotron on the forefront but annoying vocals.The groove is quite catchy though.''In the Blue'' kicks off with boring Electronic/Psych soundscapes before some jazzy guitars, vibraphones and synths add a spacey atmosphere, later to become a nice organ- driven CAMEL-esque cut with lovely vocal arrangements until the end.''Crystal ball'' features again annoying theatrical vocal performances, but the great passages of organ, guitars ans synthesizers make this track a winner, the atmosphere is really haunting and this one is propably the best number included in the album.

An album with huge interest for most of its part, but unfortunately almost every track has a little black hole, being either the vocals or the lack of some great inspiration.Dragon's debut has seen a couple of CD and LP reissues and it is really easy to find today.Easily recommended to fans of 70's Heavy/Psych/Symph Prog in the vein of URIAH HEEP, ATOMIC ROOSTER and even CAMEL.