MIRAGE

Camel

Symphonic Prog

4.41 | 3063 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Prog Leviathan
Prog Reviewer

It may be my biggest musical regret not investigating this outstanding pillar of the genre's heyday earlier... because from the very get-go of the first track Mirage screams excellence.

Hard rock blends more excellently here with iconic symphonic rock better than anywhere else, with heavy guitars sinking their hooks into the listener so that intricate synthesizers can take their time to unfold vast tapestries of music. Latimer's guitars can positively cook, but also use smartly delicate textures to create mood alongside the equally varied keyboards of Bardens, whose solos and classic sound are incomparable to the business of Wakemen. The rhythm section is thankfully heavy, with strong performances by both drums and bass, giving weight to the atmosphere and especially the rocking sections.

Expect thoughtful and varied compositions (including one about Gandalf... how can you go wrong?) which will appeal instantly to anyone who is a fan of the classic prog genre. For those who haven't heard anything by Camel yet, I can't recommend this one enough-- it has (almost) the virtuosity of Yes, played with a more Floydian/Genesis style... although it completely blows most anything by Genesis out of the water thanks to its combination of ambitious prog stylings and a hard-rock soul.

Outstanding!

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 5

Prog Leviathan | 4/5 | 2009-4-1

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Share this CAMEL review

Social review comments () BETA

Review related links

Send comments to Prog Leviathan
Report this review (#209597)
Buy CAMEL music online with PA partners
Show all CAMEL MP3/Stream
Go to CAMEL page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
Go to Mirage page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
Search the Forum for CAMEL related discussions