THE VISION

Ancient Vision is a U.S. symphonic band that wears its British influence on its sleeve (at least on their debut album). This could be because of Tom May's love of Jethro Tull, the fact that Dave Pegg helped them to record "The Vision," or that the studio was in Bedford, England. Whatever the reason, the influence is all over this album. There are distinct medieval folk passages, and the singer has a bit of an accent.

There is a loose concept surrounding this effort, and there are recurring themes. The musicianship is first class, and the composition is strong and tidy. However, I can't help but feel there is something missing. The grandeur that the music aspires to never quite seems to fully blossom. The musical themes also get a bit repetitive at times. I don't want to seem too negative, because it's actually not bad at all. In fact, on a purely academic level, it's quite good. I just can't shake the sense of wanting more.

It is a pleasant listen, but I don't think there is a real need to actively seek this one out. I have a vested interest in symphonic (especially from the U.S.), so I am happy to have it. If you are simply curious, it's not a waste of time or money. Sorry, but I just can't generate any more enthusiasm than that.

H.T. Riekels

Ancient Vision were formed in 1984 in Kansas under the guidance of keyboardist Tom May along with Barry Spry on bass and Russ Gross on guitars.Initially the band was programming the drum parts,but after discussing with producer Tim Matyear they decided to find a real drummer.The one was Rob Leytham and soon singer Tom Hook also jumped on board.In late 80's Ancient Vision were on English ground,at Dave Pegg's "Woodworm Studio" in Barford,to record their first full-legth album ''The vision''.

The band indicates Jethro Tull,Eloy,Genesis and Mike Oldfield as its influences but there is little to be heard regarding these bands.From the above bands only GENESIS echoes shine at moments,where mostly I can hear a hybrid of GENESIS,KANSAS and ELP.The result recalls other US bands of the time like MAGELLAN,MASTERMIND or CAIRO,though less bombastic.The album is quite accesible and melodic without being mainstream at all,featuring a vocalist with an expressive voice but with a mediocre result.All tracks contain soft and more aggressive moments with powerful keys and strong guitar work,nicely changing moods and grandiose instrumental parts,but the singing doesn't help,while I expected a lot more from the average epic ''Stand''.The production is decent,again it is a bit buried from some flat keyboard sounds.

''The vision'' is a good album overall and it can be characterized almost as a private press,distributed by Tom May's own label and for this reason it is rather widely unknown.More or less a typical US Prog product of the time,''The vision'' deserves more recognition than it has earned and comes recommended by my side.