SPARTACUS

When TRIUMVIRAT formed they were very much inspired by THE NICE. Keyboard virtuoso Jurgen Fritz certainly dominates the sound although the drummer Hans Bethelt is outstanding and almost as dominant. It would be Hans who would come up with the idea to do a concept album about Spartacus, and he would write all the lyrics as well. Their previous album "Illusions On A Double Dimple" sold quite well in the USA but poorly in their home country of Germany. This didn't sit well with the band and Jurgen would in fact move to the USA where he said the working conditions were much better. Regardless,"Spartacus" would sell even better in America than their previous album yet have almost no impact in Germany. Go figure ! I much prefer "Illusions On A Double Dimple" to this one although I still think "Spartacus" is a really good album.

"The Capital Of Power" is an instrumental that opens with synths before kicking in quickly. Great sound here. The tempo will shift quite a bit on this one. "The School Of Instant Pain" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. It picks up before a minute and the drumming is outstanding. The tempo picks up even more after 2 1/2 minutes and the keyboards are all over it especially after 4 1/2 minutes. It's the drums turn 6 minutes in. "The Walls Of Doom" is another instrumental. It's got a catchy beat with keyboards. That changes half way through although it's still all about the drums and keyboards. "The Deadly Dream Of Freedom" is a ballad that opens with piano and synths as reserved vocals join in.

"The Hazy Shades Of Dawn" is an instrumental that is synths and drums led with some nice organ later. "The Burning Sword Of Capua" is another instrumental. Powerful organ and drums to start in this dramatic intro. The tempo picks up before a minute. "The Sweetest Sound Of Liberty" is my favourite. It's just a great vocal track with acoustic guitar. It gets fuller after 1 1/2 minutes as contrasts continue. "The March To The Eternal City" sounds so good ! The synths and drums especially. Vocals and piano after 1 1/2 minutes as contrasts continue. Cool song. "Spartacus" opens with piano and vocals then it gets fuller, then the tempo speeds up 1 1/2 minutes in.

This for me is a low four star album or high three. I choose the latter because when compared to "Illusions On A Double Dimple" which I gave four stars, it's a definite step down.