TURN OF THE CARDS

"Renaissance" is getting closer to the masterpiece status with this very good album. The line-up is now well in place and their musical style is so easily recognizable that only great song writing is needed to propelled the band into the Walhalla of prog bands.

One has now been able to get use to their excellent and so special musical style. This album is just a very confirmation of this. There are no weak tracks on this very good album. It is a very enjoyable journey from start to finish.

Of course, "Things I Don't Understand", "Black Flame" and "Mother Russia" are shining brighter than other songs. But that's only because they are excellent. The band reverts to the great inspiration of "Prologue" (which was their first great album IMO).

The folkish mood from "Ashes Are Burning" is forgotten. For the best as far as I'm concerned. It was time again to leave space for their unique classical-proggy style which is unmatched to-date (2008).

One thing is for sure : once you have listened to "Cold Is Being", you can only be in love with the superb vocal part. Annie is sublime. There are no other words. Crystal clear, incredibly emotional, complexly simple. Grandiose, my prog friends. One of her greatest vocal parts ever, IMHHO.

This great (but short) song leads to "Mother Russia" which is a bit invaded with orchestrations. Annie bringing this very good song to yet another level. I felt in love with her great voice just a little later than this album. But that's another Sheherazade story. Coming out soon.

Four stars for these turning cards.