BURNING BANNERS

Named after the 17th Century British politician Oliver Cromwell, the German Neo Prog band CROMWELL drew inspiration from the history of both England and their home surroundings Worms. The group was founded and led by keyboard player Wolfgang Taeffner who was musically influenced by IQ and SAGA among others. The slightly heavy and dark-toned prog on this debut album could also be compared to e.g. PALLAs and ARENA, with the notable exception of the lead vocalist being a woman. Anke Taeffner has a strong and dramatic expression perhaps a bit reminiscent of Tracy Hitchings, although it's stiffer than Tracy's smoky seductivity.

This prog truly screams Neo, and in a blindfold test it almost could be mistaken for a British first wave Neo Prog of the early 80's -- in which case it would certainly be better remembered and appreciated. The production is rather 80's sounding. The unsophisticated synth carpets dominate the sound. Definitely the British equivalents such as Arena and IQ were miles ahead in 1997 especially when it comes to the sound. But the songs themselves are fairly good and it's easy for the listener to be taken by their dramatic essence. The 10-minute 'Tunnel' is one of the highlights. But a strong Neo Prog liking is definitely required.

Cromwell's second and last album Black Chapter Red was released almost two decades later in 2016. The little uniqueness they had here was mostly gone because of the heavy-mannered male vocals and the heavier guitar.