DAWN

And so Eloy came out with Dawn. An important improvement from the previous (excellent) record Power and the Passion. The addition of the symphonic orchestra was really a good idea as the stormy atmospheric introduction... a more elaborate and complex climax than the predecessor. The classic Eloy's line up is here: along with the mastermind Frank Bornemann on vocals and guitars, Klaus-Peter Matziol on bass, Detlev Schmidtchen on hammond organ, mini-moog, mellotron, piano, grand piano, rmi keyboard computer, and Jurgen Rosenthal on drums (he also wrote the lyrics as for the Ocean album).

The album's atmosphere is so warm and spacey. Very different from that of their following most famous record, though. I think Dawn is superior than Ocean musically, even though not at the same level as a suggesting conceptual opus. A more "terrestrial" record than the ethereal Ocean. I recommend you to buy these two plus the 1979 wonderful Silent Cries and Mighty Echoes as the perfect trilogy on space-rock albums. Thesis, antithesis and synthesis all released between 1976 and 1979.

Back to Dawn, now. The album's progression is impressive: "Between the Times", "The Sun Song" and "The Dance of Doubt and Fear". No one can seriously not falling in love with. Keyboards above all with a very strong bass guitar. Mellotron to give us the opportunity to fly far, far away... male and female voices and choruses to deepen the vast horizons.

Are we in front of a band conscious of all his potential who tries and manages to free it. Orchestral movements erupt very often and are a distinctive trade mark, not to be found in the next two records above mentioned. You have to wait until Planets (1981) to listen to a similar powerful orchestra. Only a song, though: "Queen of the Night".

Finally its' the turn of the fabulous gem "The Midnight Fight - The Victory of Mental Force". What an inceasing job on drums! Wonderfully played and balanced with bass and keyboards. The song' running time is just over 8 minutes and is the most varied track of the album. A real piece of art!! If you are interested, please check the free sample in the Eloy's page.

This is where to start, if you want to discover this great german band! Let's hope Eloy will increase their reputation in Progarchives, They really deserve it!

P.S. With my great surprise, Dawn's sample was deleted and isn't anymore...

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