VOICES FROM THE CROWD

From first notes on (with opening track Voices) one can hear Darius has been influenced by early Marillion mainly caused by similar vocals as Fish. Instrumentally Pointer's drumming is also imitated but the rest is not really the same. The guitar for instance doesn't really sound like Rothary (just slightly) nor do the keys sound like what Kelly used to do on early albums. The song sounds more like a tribute to me (3,25*).

Not too long ago I detected similar imitation acting by Red Sand and punished the album because of it. But because this isn't the same kind pertly one on one copycat acting I will be less harsh this time. Red Sands Music for Sharks was 100% imitation all the way where Darius only does with opening track. Second song First Contact suddenly sounds more like the in the band description mentioned influence Saga which is a totally different sound of course. Very nice track this, one of the highlights of the album to me (4*). The song could be called the hidden title track because "Voices from the Crowd" can be heard in the lyrics.

Searching is an ambient ballad, already making it a "not too much of the same " album. A very nice guitar solo just before halfway gives even more class to the song. Last two minutes the ballad style is abandoned completely and an energetic part starting with guitar rounds off this track (4,25*).

Also next track Alone starts laid back and even more mystic than previous. I really like the way Darius approach their compositions. The build up of this song is again impressive and works very nice on me. It's always a bonus if a band is great in both compositional as executional department as is the case here. Also here some great guitar halfway but the rest of the song is not really less I can tell you (4,5). Bovensiepen's voice is by the way still similar to Fish but only if he lashes out screaming.

Snowflakes is another high quality song but by now I start to realize it isn't really that versatile what the band is doing on this album. Well, nobody said they had to but it's always a nice way to keep the listeners interest. It's more than an hour of music so then you're up for a challenge as a band to pay attention to this aspect (4*).

All songs on the album are between 5 and 10 minutes except for this short Caught by the Magical Book. It's a funny little track with tropical rainforest sounds for a minute and a half (3*).

The Pharao's Spell is the longest song of the album. First minutes don't exactly blow me away but after about 4 minutes things get more interesting with a very nice key section followed by equal guitar. Second half this is repeated making it sound like a battle between Getta and Martin. After this it's Bovensiepen's turn again before Markus Getta rounds off in fine style. Great track (4,5*).

The Seven Signs is a shorter song which is caused by more speed than in some of the other songs. Still some very interesting instrumental contributions in this compact song (4*)

One of Them is another good composition albeit one of the lesser of this excellent album. Bovensiepen shows all he has in store here and another great guitar effort makes sure we get convinced of an impressive album (3,75*).

So the rating is very easy this time. Almost exactly 4* on average here can only lead to a similar final verdict. Highly recommended neo prog from Darius !