THE SUN OF SPIRIT

The second part of the orgasmic trilogy recorded by Gennady Ilyin in late-90's was the album ''The Sun of Spirit'', a work created again at Art-Technology Studio in Moscow, released in 2000 on Russian label Boheme.Ilyin was helped by sound engineer Evgeny Shchukin and guitarist Igor Mikhel, but because there was a band feeling during the creation of the album Ilyin decided to release under the Little Tragedies name.A decade later the album was re-released by Mals Records, this time correctly credited to Gennady Ilyin himself (with a bonus track).

The first few tracks see Ilyin trying to deliver a bit more experimental themes, always of heavy Classical nature, with cinematic soundscapes, sharp Electronic vibes and melodramatic, theatrical vocals.The E.L.P. influences are still apparent in the bombastic synth solos and the grandiose symphonic parts, but there are some very dark moments, close to early ROZ VITALIS, with a haunting sound, closer to Avant-Garde than Progressive Rock.From the fourth track and on things seem to be rolling.The presence of some incredible guitar solos and rhythm parts by Igor Mikhel, the more Prog-compatible structures by Ilyin and the use of the drum programming result to well-crafted Symphonic Rock compositions, which still retain a strong Electronic flavor.Plenty of orchestral themes, bits of acoustic passages and a few nice melodies make the work stronger as it unfolds, eventually presenting Ilyin's talent in full mode.

While this early stuff created by Gennady Ilyin has some too ambitious ideas, it contains enough well-executed material to evaluate this man's unique talent.Recommended, a great work for all lovers of keyboard-driven Symphonic Rock.