BATTLE SCARS

Before I listened to 'Battle Scars' for the first time, I went back and played some of 'Nothing Is Written'. Incredibly that album is more than 20 years old, and back in the early Nineties I saw this band play many times. The line-up changed between this album and the follow-up, 'Sleepers', which came out in '95 ? but some 17 years later four of the same five were involved with 'Battle Scars'. However, bassist Neil Pepper had left the band for a period and hadn't been back for long ? it was an incredible shock to everyone that Neil was diagnosed as suffering from cancer, yet somehow he made it through the recording sessions. The fact that he passed away in September 2011 at the age of just 44 leaving behind a widow and young family is something that many of us are still finding hard to deal with.

So, in lots of ways this was always going to be a hard album to review for me. Any opinion will always be subjective, no matter how objective the reviewer tries to be, and not only have I a long history with the band but I was aware that I really wanted this to be a great album, a fitting legacy as it were. But would it be?

As I said, before playing 'Battle Scars' I listened to 'Nothing Is Written' ? back when the band had won the Radio 1 Rock Wars and had been guests on The Friday Rock Show with Tommy Vance (those were the days). Back then they were young and dynamic, with much to prove. Here, all these years later they are not quite as young as they were, and in many ways are something of elder statesmen of the prog movement. But this is not a band to rest on their past achievements, as their last studio album 'Empires Never Last' amply proves. This is a band that is proud of what they have done previously, but also understand that they need to mature and this is an album that shows that they have done just that.

In 'the new guy' Dean Baker they have a keyboard player with a huge palette and being able to bring to play many different sounds has enabled them to deploy different techniques to great effect. The title cut starts the album and the gentle choral and orchestral effects soon give way to a Freddie Mercury style chorus where Roy is finally allowed to crank up the guitar and deploy some strong riffs. Stu has always had a very melodic voice, yet he has managed to add just a touch of menace when the need arises which gives the song an extra edge.

Karl Groom's production, as always, is very polished and allows all of the musicians to shine ? this is complex stuff yet is brought together in a fashion that is immediate and melodic. It is music that can be enjoyed on first listen yet the more times it is played the more the listener will get out of it. Spencer and Neil locked in as if they had never been apart and this strong rhythm section allows Dean and Roy to run riot. I would love to hear "Reach For The Sun'" in a live setting as the impression is that this has been written so that they can really turn this up and blast out. There may be a few Ozric style keyboard sounds, but the star of this is the repeated riffing, and the controlled passion.

Galahad in 2012 have produced an album that would be very recognizable to the people who used to go and watch them at Mr Kyps in Poole, yet is also very much the band that these days headlines prog festivals in Europe. At the very end of the album is a nod back to times past, as they revisit the title cut of their 1995 album 'Sleepers', and in many ways is quite different to the rest ? showing just how much the band has changed. But it is great to hear it, as I for one always thought it contained Neil's best basslines and yet again he proves what a great musician he was. Later this year Galahad will release another album, 'Beyond the Realms of Euphoria', which was recorded at the same time ? it will be interesting to see just how that will compare as 'Battle Scars' is a winner on all counts. www.galahadonline.com

If there ever was a band that has clearly progressed, it must be said that British group Galahad is definitely a top contender for the prize. Starting out with early albums that were really nothing more than baby steps, their first real leap forward was the charming Galahad Acoustic Quartet -Not All There release back in 1994, which proposed a stripped down, very dark folk series of beautiful songs, a platform for Stu to really put his original voice up- front and center. I still adore that CD to this day, as the medieval/melancholic vibe is precious and vibrant. Next came Sleepers in 1995 , which was standard neo-prog of the times, with simple ballads (Julie Anne and Pictures of Bliss) as well as some extended 10 minute + workouts (title track, Exorcizing Demons , Live and Learn and Amaranth) but was not particularly liked by the stubborn critics , a judgment that was even more scathing on the follow-up, 1999's "Following Ghosts", a seemingly heady mixture of what was before but salted with some harder pieces such as 'Imago' and 'Myopia'. This was , in my humble opinion where the tide turned as new keyboardist Dean Baker exercised his melodic influence by injecting strong electronic-tinged sweeps into the fold, though preferring bubbling Tangerine Dream style synthesizers to the usual formulaic organ/synth style as espoused by Clive Nolan, Martin Orford or Mark Kelly. And that's where Galahad's fortunes veered towards a future style that was all theirs. No more copycats, we are Galahad! In 2002, the aptly-titled "Year Zero" - that certainly proves that they were starting fresh and new- introduced a whopping symphonic element, structurally first as the album is a 15 part suite that is one massive piece of mellotron-driven, synth-swept extravaganza, courtesy of Mr. Baker but also a rejuvenated Roy Keyworth who now began a rougher, raspier attitude to his guitar style. With a monster bassist in Neil Pepper and a powerful drummer in Spencer Luckman, Stuart now just needed some material to really blow fans away for good. They took 5 years to sculpt one of the most bewildering recordings ever in prog , the hissy, angry and devastatingly sparkling "Empires Never Last " , one of 2007 top albums, almost universally adopted by those who trashed the band in the past as well as fans who stood the test of time. Stuart Nicholson proved his vocal mettle and if you add the visually stunning DVD Resonance (which gustily actually pre-dated the album), the conclusion ?the only one- is that these lads have come a long, long way! This was a difficult period though as long time bassist Neil Pepper was struggling mightily with health issues, replaced by the talented Lee Abraham.

So the long waited follow up 2012 had Pepper back for an artistic swansong, as he went to prog heaven in September 2011. "Battle Scars" is the first of 2 albums to be released in 2012, the second set for later this year. The overt rockier edge is still there with more trance/electronica grooves as well as lush symphonics with furious mellotron cascades. The mixture is a bright one and very original. I like to call it power-prog, powerful music that hits the nodes with passion and class.

The ultra-classical overture (they like to start their concerts the same way) is a fine prelude for the title track to kick mightily into gear, with Stuart flexing his pipes with voluptuous engagement, the lyrical material not quite pretty and clean, soft pain emanating from his trembling lips, as the evoked brutality becomes overpowering. The pummeling drummed onslaught is fast and furious; while Roy rasps hard on his fretboard and Dean waves his mellotron drenched hands. "Reach for the Sun" is a brief moment of rage, as the pace remains frisky and raw, powerful riffs and more battle scars are revealed. Synths bleep and bloop amok, the mighty 'tron howls and the axe grinds, what a delightful arsenal of sound!

"Singularity" is a highlight spool of glittering noise, buzzed by a sublime melody and expert guitar finger painting. The expressive vocal is luxuriant, the pace somberly energetic, the guitar on slow burn fire , a delightful combination of sounds that hit the mark and make this a Galahad standard to come for evermore "You can't touch me now", he sings. The harmony vocal work is sublime and the result is utter poignancy. A delicate piano settles the score.

When Stuart snarls, he gets it right, as per the nasty "Bitter and Twisted" , a fine account of our hyper-judgmental society whose priorities lie with the ability to hate via electronic messages and general ethereal inhumanity. No more values, no more dedication and no more resolve. Spencer accentuates the dysfunction with syncopated percussive mayhem, fueled by a violent guitar smack and whistling synth slaps. "You are just a little piece of... nothing at all" has got to be the lyric of the decade!

The Pepper-penned "Suspended Animation" is pure prog bliss, growling bass pangs devour a swirling swarm of organs, synths and guitars with ogre-like fascination. It's almost the funkiest piece from the Galahad catalogue and a definite keeper.

"Beyond the Barbed Wire" is desperate, cold and unrelenting, possessing an exhilarating impulse of pain and cold, as the contrast between gentle surrender clashes with the impossible desire for freedom and salvation. Tremendous modern beats and mellotron choirs collide with aggressive and repetitive guitar riffs and vocal refrain of the title. Roy's guitar solo soars and sears brightly, hot electric fission into the cold, frigid night.

The pulsating "Seize the Day" is a complete stunner, Gabriel-like piano and vocal intro (think 'Here Comes the Flood') that quickly colors the trance-like electronic melody. Even if you are not a fan of trance, this is truly uplifting stuff, brilliantly played when the bullying drums, thumping bass and the massive guitars enter the fray! You have to admire the band's courage and determination to not be swayed by anything other than their inner muse. This piece is proof of their commitment to bend the rules and define modern prog. Bravo, ballsy guys!

To be treated to a reworking of 'Sleepers' is an unparalleled joy to behold, not just a nostalgic wink to their past but an outright genius track that not only proves Stuart's undeniable talent but the seemingly stellar work of all the instrumentalists is better than ever. Both Dean and Roy really flesh out the sound, making it more vibrant and edgy than ever before. We as fans, thank you deeply!

Galahad is meritorious of the highest accolades, as they persisted with their vision and like them or not, they are a force to be reckoned with for the future. I actually prefer this new offering over Empires, a feat I would never had thought possible.

5 combat wounds

'Battle Scars' - Galahad (7/10)

Although bands in prog most often pride themselves on being more 'advanced' than your run-of-the-mill plebes, I do agree that one of the most remarkable things about Galahad has been their capacity to improve and advance themselves. Especially with their last album "Empires Never Last", I believe this band has finally reached the top tier of gentlemen within the melodic and melancholic world of neo-prog. Developing upon their symphonic edge, "Battle Scars" is Galahad's ninth record to date, and they have never sounded so modern. Theatrical and passionate, there are some great listens to be had with this one, although it may not be as consistent as it could have been.

To be open with you, I can't say I've often found myself 'digging' the sound of Neo-Prog, now not so much a label to describe 'new' prog as it is a sub-genre of prog that I long felt sucked the complexity and proficiency out and replaced it with 80's cheese up the wazoo. Of course, this was a bit of an overgeneralization on my part, and "Battle Scars" does seek to prove me wrong. Crossing me much the same way as did Pendragon's "Passion" from last year (among the best that 2011 had to offer), "Battle Scars" strikes me as an example of how the neo-progressive style has developed with the times. The combination of vocalist Stuart Nicholson's dramatic vocals and the orchestral approach to some of this music reminds me of Muse above all else, and though the course first laid out by Marillion is evident in "Bitter and Twisted" and "Seize the Day", Galahad have, on the whole, broadened their sound. Like Pendragon, they have grown darker and heavier, and this suits the band's theatrical and moody vibe.

For such an experienced band, it's no surprise that things are performed and produced so well. For the first three songs on "Battle Scars", I could have been convinced that this was a masterpiece. Everything on this opening seventeen-odd minute stretch is excited and beautifully paced. The album opens with some moody orchestrations, before Stuart's voice takes hold and ushers in an epic sense of atmosphere and bravado. Of course, it's not long before the rest of the band takes hold, and when they do, they don't let go until they have sucked a listener in entirely. Helped by the fact that there is virtually no pause between the first and second tracks, the first three seem to make a trilogy, a process of absolving one's scars in order to become 'one with the universe' ("Singularity"). Simply put; it's brilliant stuff.

Sadly, this doesn't last forever; by the fourth track "Bitter and Twisted" onward, the music feels decidedly less exciting. The production standard is maintained, and it's arguable that they stick to the same style, but the dynamic and quality that had me so excited at first about "Battle Scars" does not translate. For those lucky enough to hear the 'full' version of "Battle Scars", the 2012 re-do of their classic "Sleepers" sees Galahad rekindling the fire. Besides the obvious improvements in execution it has over its 'original' predecessor, "Sleepers" is a fitting way to end this musical journey. As the longest track on the album (some might call it an 'epic'), it is rich with interesting ideas, although- like the rest of the album- it has some trouble balancing the 'good' from the fantastic.

A little inconsistent perhaps, but Galahad are surely a force to be reckoned with, in the 'neo- progressive' scene, and even prog rock at large. The dark, symphonic approach these guys take with their music is definitely worth checking out. It's perhaps not the greatest thing Galahad have released in their time, but "Battle Scars" is certainly worthy of their name.

The first of two Galahad studio albums for 2012, Battle Scars offers a dark, occasionally heavy version of the Galahad sound which adds impressively modern electronic beats to their otherwise standard neo-prog approach. Recorded with the aid of Karl Groom at Arena's Thin Ice Studios, something of the darkness of Arena's Contagion creeps in during the more guitar-heavy moments, whilst Dean Baker's very modern approach to keyboards this time around offers up sounds and textures of a sort not usually found in neo-prog. Despite the presence of a remake of an old track from Sleepers as a bonus track, this is clearly a band with one eye on the future and who are attempting even twenty years after their debut to refine their sound, and the end result is entertaining enough but doesn't feel especially focused.

British neo-prog veterans Galahad's latest album, Battle Scars, did not disappoint me in the least bit. Battle Scars is an album that from the first moments is full of melodic atmosphere, rocking vibes, and great hooks. For prog this is definitely on the catchy side, but in a good way. The vocal melodies are memorable, but perhaps what most grabs me about this release is how it sounds both incredibly modern while still sounding very neo-prog. Lots of heavy guitars, crisp production, and fantastic inclusion of less conventional elements (for prog), such as loads of electronic music influences. Ultimately, this album is all about 'songs.' Don't expect some majestically deep ocean of sonic waters or on this one. But, DO expect a great album, one that you can rock out to, and for the musicians, one that's really fun to jam along to as well!

Review Nº 355

"Battle Scars" is the ninth studio album of Galahad and was released in 2012. As with their previous eighth studio album "Empires Never Last", Galahad invited once more Karl Groom, the guitarist of Threshold to produce the album. As the result and as happened with "Empires Never Last", the final sound of the album is a bit more guitar oriented with a slight metal edge. It offers a dark sound which adds modern electronic beats to their standard neo- prog approach.

"Battle Scars" is one of the two last studio albums on which their bass player Neil Pepper participates, the last was "Beyond The Realms Of Euphoria", because he sadly passed way, in September 2011, after loosing his battle with a cancer. Neil Pepper was the bass player of Galahad between 1992 and 2002 and between 2009 and 2011. He was substituted, in 2012 by the new bass player Mark Spencer. So, the line up of "Battle Scars" is Stuart Nicholson (vocals), Roy Keyworth (guitars), Dean Baker (keyboards), Neil Pepper (bass, keyboards and guitar) and Spencer Luckman (drums).

"Battle Scars" has eight tracks. The first track is the title track song "Battle Scars". It's a song with a classical musical overture with a gentle choral work and some moody orchestrations that makes a perfect prelude for the entrance of Stuart's voice and the rest of the band. This is an excellent and very powerful track to open the album and where we can feel the real mood of the rest of the album. The second track "Reach For The Sun" made a perfect and magnificent transition of the previous track and continues the mood of the beginning of the album with another very powerful track. It's a very fast progressive track with a very powerful guitar performance and also with a kind of a certain subtle keyboard work. This is a track with a true musical moment of rage and violence that shows perfectly what is the path of Galahad for the entire album. The third track "Singularity" is an extraordinary track and represents, for me, the greatest highlight of the album. This is a song with an excellent and delightful combination of sounds, a sublime catchy melody and with a very expressive and impressive beautiful vocal work that reminds me very strongly the vocals of Peter Nicholls of IQ. It also deserve special mention the interesting and clever guitar work and the delicate piano performance that ends the song. Concluding, the all harmony of the song is absolutely sublime and the final result is a perfect track. The fourth track "Bitter And Twisted" is another excellent and very powerful progressive track that reminds me their previous album "Empires Never Last" and that could fit very well on it. This is another song with great Stuart's vocal performance, an excellent choral work, very well supported by a massive guitar playing, nice keyboards and great drumming. The fifth track "Suspended Animation" is a track that sounds a little bit different from the rest of the album. I must confess that in a first impression it didn't touch my heart. However, after few other hearings I changed my opinion about it. This is truly a progressive track very intricate full of great keyboard and guitar works, but especially the bass work of the deceased Neil is absolutely unforgettable. The sixth track "Beyond The Barbed Wire" is another track that isn't so appellative, for me, as almost all the album is. Sincerely, in my humble opinion, we are in presence of a good song but with less quality and less creativity than other songs on the album. However, this is a very gentle and nice song with gentle vocals, an aggressive and repetitive guitar riff, a nice mellotron work and a modern drum beat. The seventh track "Seize The Day" was, for me, an astonishing track when I heard it for the first time. It's another extremely powerful track very colourful and with a very impressive work by all band's members. However, the highlight on it is the tremendous Dean's modern keyboard work that proves that he is a man with very skills. The eighth and last track "Sleepers 2012" is a CD version bonus of an original track from the band. It represents a revisit of the title track song originally released on their fourth studio album "Sleepers". This is a more powerful and heavier version of the original song in the same line of their new sound. This is a great version of that song that sounds modern and better than ever.

Conclusion: "Battle Scars" is, without any kind of doubts, a great prog album. When I reviewed their previous studio album "Empires Never Last" I thought that I hoped wouldn't happen with Galahad the same thing that happened with Pallas. That Galahad wouldn't fail with their next studio album after "Empires Never Last", as Pallas failed with "XXV", their following album after their masterpiece, "The Dreams Of Men". It seems that fortunately it didn't happen with Galahad. "Battle Scars" continues the path of "Empires Never Last" offering a new heavy sound of Galahad with an impressive and modern electronic sound that shows their new neo-prog musical approach. However, I agree with Conor Fynes when he says that the album has probably some little inconsistency and, for me, it's less cohesive than their previous album is. Nevertheless, with "Battle Scars", Galahad proves that they're a great force in the neo-prog scene.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)