HYPATIA

US project TELERGY is the creative vehicle for composer and musician Robert McClung (whose instrumentation includes: guitar, bass, mandolin, balalaika, ukulele, sitar, lap steel, piano, organ, synthesizers, violin, viola, flute, percussion, bodhran, tenor vocals and baritone vocals). His aim is to create and release conceptual albums under this name, utilizing guest performers for various instrument and vocal roles, in some ways comparable to Ayreon. So far he has released three albums, all of them revolving around historical persons and events. "Hypatia" is the most recent of those, and dates back to 2015.

"Hypatia" is an album with two different dimensions to it. The narrative cycles, which come across as weak, at least when used in this context, and the compositions, which by and large, are high quality and at best impressive. As an album experience the former are detrimental, but the latter makes me conclude that this is an album worth giving a shot anyhow, an album you should stick with a bit and give a chance or two. Those who enjoy orchestral music mixed with progressive rock and metal in particular should take note of this output.