SIMPLE

FINAL CONFLICT sounding like a Hard-Rock/AOR band, very melodic and filled with drive, but they use some Prog elements - changing themes, some "signatures" etc, but their approach is mostly Hard/Heavy-like. Think of OZZY meets ILUVATAR, that kind of thing. Recommended, if you're a fan of good old melodic Hard Rock or related bands like ASIA or PANGAEA.

From their very first album released in 1987 (available on cassette only), the title track "Channel 8" is featured on this compilation effort. Two songs comes from their debut CD "Redress The Balance", namely "Rebellion" (the best track form this album IMO) and "Pangea's Child".

As the latter, most of the music here is rather heavy/aggressive. But so was the original version of "Pageant".

Since the band didn't release any new material for three years, they released this compilation in awaiting of a true new album. Maybe that they lacked some steam to compose "original" music. This compilation is not extraordinary (but none of their album were).

"All Alone" from their album "Quest" is very much predictable but still is the best that the band has to offer here. Pleasant melody and a very good and inspired guitar solo. It was also my fave from this album; so no better choice was available.

The closing number It Should Have Been Simple starts as Space Oddity from whom you might know (after the spacey intro) and then enters in some sort of different short themes/parts. Some guitar moments are really pleasant to listen to, but this long song is rather chaotic.

All in all this is an average album. Not good enough for the three star rating, I'm afraid.