CHRONOMETREE

Glass Hammer

Symphonic Prog

3.33 | 171 ratings

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Roj
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

This is the first album I heard from Glass Hammer, and I still have to ask myself, how does this only average 2.92 on PA? It's miles better than that in my opinion.

I know that some people are critical of this US symphonic outfit, citing them as copyist. I disagree. Whilst the Hammond does remind very strongly of ELP, overall I think Glass Hammer have their own sound which is instantly recognisable. Keyboards are to the fore but do not underestimate the contribution of Fred Schendel on guitar.

Glass Hammer have produced a top-notch symphonic prog offering here. The music is pompy, dramatic and appeals perfectly to me. It's a concept album about Tom, who hears aliens talking to him through his prog albums. It's an interesting concept, but one the band approach with tongue in cheek.

The musicianship throughout is superb. The vocals are undoubtedly the weak point. They don't grate particularly with me, but would improve greatly on subsequent albums.

Highlights are many. The fast paced opener, Empty Space, laced with Emerson-esque Hammond segues into the brilliant Revealer. This is a very progressive and dramatic piece featuring the main Chronometree theme. Many excellent themes feature within this 5 minute number and in my opinion all could have been greatly expanded. Plenty of dramatic chord changes and gorgeous mellotron to end. Superb.

Chronometry is a very melancholic track, washes of mellotron throughout and ace warbling synths. The pompous chorus section is tremendous, very dramatic. I love this track.

Chronos Deliverer is as good as anything on the album. The memorable theme is backed by a marching rhythm and there is a dazzling array of synths throughout which wash over the listener. A top guitar solo from Fred Schendel too.

Waiting/Watching The Sky closes the album with more lashes of mellotron, and a return to the main them. A fitting climax to a superb album.

A solid 4 stars for this excellent album. If you're a Glass Hammer fan you'll love it, however I would strongly recommend this to all fans of symphonic progressive rock.

Roj | 4/5 | 2008-9-8

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