TURN OF THE WHEEL

Magna Carta was, in the middle 90's, a renouveau in the genre of progressive music. Lots and lots of bands broke the ice (Enchant and Shadow Gallery) and many broke their backs trying to be part of the revival (Cairo and World Trade and dozen more). With labels like Inside Out, with a modern sound and aggressive approach, Magna Carta product pales in comparison of today's goodies.

Tempest sure fell through the cracks and doesn't seem to attract too much people, even at the time. Well, listening to Turn of the Wheel will prove you 2 things: they can play but they're not original. When it comes to traditionnal music, Tempest is doing a great job but this is no way a progressive product, nor near it. The melodies are often repetitive, making the strange impression of hearing over and over the same tune. And frankly, they couldn't match the energy or the attitude that Jethro Tull demonstrated, even today. They can put guitar solos in every song, it stays plain trad rock.

If your heart is green like St-Patrick's day, this will please your ear without the shadow of a doubt. Fans of Jethro Tull, Ashley McIssac , Nataly McMaster and other such will find this record appealing since it's taking a concept and stretching it to longer pieces of music.

An okay record for me, a super find for fans of Celtic shennanigans.