MIRAGE

Camel

Symphonic Prog

4.41 | 3062 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

OpethGuitarist
Prog Reviewer

One of Camel's finest works, if not the best.

I have often debated whether I am more impressed with this or Moonmadness, and the truth is, both are quite exquisite. Side 1 of this album is simply superb, with flowing melodies with wonderful work from all band members, and the vocals are even not that bad, often a downfall of Camel's works. Latimer's touch is unmatched here, and the keyboards flow gracefully with the music rather than being an interference.

My preference is side 1, with the classic song Freefall, the unique and quirky SuperTwister, and the journey of Nimrodel/Procession/The White Rider. The medieval beginnings here are a nice touch, and we are led into perhaps Camel's most aggressive and assertive instrumental section. A small point of complaining here is I am a bit disenchanted with the drums, but the human qualities that the rest of the band members make their instruments achieve more than makes up for the staleness I see there.

Earthrise is perhaps the worst track on the record, if one were to point fingers, with a less than memorable musical middle, that perhaps could have benefited from fewer keys. We close with Lady Fantasy, another glorious epic that ranks among some of Camel's best. Parts at the beginning I am less impressed with, but as we build more towards climax the band picks it up with some impressive riffs and well thought out structure.

One of Camel's most essential releases. It is often a shame that Latimer's playing is overlooked to that of Howe's, Hackett's or Gilmour's, but I believe he is the best out of this bunch, adding an undeniable humanistic quality and artistic prowess to his technical abilities. A fantastic accomplishment.

OpethGuitarist | 4/5 | 2006-11-12

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 OpethGuitarist
Report this review (#98516)
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