METANOIA

I went through a lot of effort and trouble to acquire this album. In the end the store where I usually buy my prog albums had to knock on Nexus' home door to get the album so to speak. What a progger has to do to get the hidden jewels in progworld ! But it was worth it fortunately because this predecessor of the great Perpetuum Karma appeared to be the (near)masterpiece I was hoping for. The album consists of 13 songs of very various lengths, measuring between 0:31 till 15:45 and just about everything in between. The result is a variegated album that still progresses fluently. Just about half of the songs are instrumenatl and the other half with a temperamental (at least that's the impression she makes) female singer. Let's see what each song brings.

1. Eternal Recurrence One (1:21) is a short instrumental with exactly the same sounds as in the start of Echoes by Pink Floyd. Coincidence ? It will have it's significance no doubt but musically it's not much of course. 2*.

2. Primal Scream (1:41) is when the characteristic Nexus Organ takes its turn for the first time. Much more impressive this (also short) instrumental. 3,5*.

3. Metambo (5:43) is the first real song and it makes you sit on the edge of your seat (fasten your seatbelts is more suitable probably). The lady (Mariela Gonzalez) is showing what she's made of. Great track. 4,5*.

4. Wounded Planet (3:02) is another instrumental with alternating triangle and guitar. Interesting. 3,5*.

5. Wake up inside a Dream (9:23) is another track with firing organ once again. Also the electric guitar plays a significant part. Mariela sings a bit more modest this time, lovely. 4,5*.

6. Towards the Light (5:04) is a more laid back track with acoustic guitar and easy keys and again a wonderful Mariela Gonzalez. It's a pity she left the band in the meantime. 4,25*.

7. Metanoia (7:47) is one of my very favourites amongst many great tracks. Probably this title track is the best example of what this album is about. The energy that comes off this one is simply captivating and contagious. Makes you long for more. 4,75*.

8. The World's Temptation (7:27) is there to cool down once again, splendid alternation. Mariela Gonzalez uses her voice in many different moods this time. Well done ! Also great guitar in this one. 4,25*.

9. In the Hands of God (15:45). Great epical track with dominant keyboards but also many vocal parts and varied speeds and moods within the song. Another true highlight. 4,5*.

10. The Message (0:31) is of course too short to be significant. 2,5*.

11. The Universal Nexus (5:13) features Mariela with a laid back voice again in a wonderful ballad. 4*.

12. So Close to the Fire (7:17) is a very fine song with nice keys and guitar. Magnificent melodic effort and needless to say great vocals. 4,5*.

13. Eternal Recurrence Zero (3:07) is again a track with the Echoes sounds but this time they last for the entire track. I still wonder, did Nexus steal or borrow them ? Always a nice effect of course. 3,25*.

The scores for each song say it all in fact. This is indeed a near masterpiece but that also means it (just) isn't. And so it also will not get that status where the rating is concerned. So four stars (4,25). Even though this album is very different from Perpetuum Karma they are just about equal in quality and significance. Both more than excellent additions to any prog music collection. Try to get your hands on them if you love melodic music !