SPARTACUS

The export department of Harvest decided to send the second Triumvirat album over to the offices of Capital in the USA, which issued the album in the States, and this opened the door for the Germans to visit the other side of the Atlantic, performing in about 40 gigs as the supporting act to Fleetwood Mac.Third work of the band was a concept one around Spartacus, the Thracian gladiator, who led the slaves' revolution against the Roman Republic in ancient years.Recorded at EMI's Electrola Studio in Cologne, the album's issue did not met any delays.It was released both on Harvest and Capitol in Germany and the US/Canada market at the same time in 1975.

This time Triumvirat have chosen a more conservative style in terms of pieces' length, as most of the tracks are short and dense.Just in terms of length of course, because the music remains highly virtuosic, symphonic and atmospheric with Triumvirat's ability to change climates in evidence.From romantic Classical-based interludes to powerful organ pyrotechnics to extreme synth acrobatics, the Germans display again their comfort on creating complex music with plenty of dramatic as well as pleasant tunes.The album is mainly led by Fritz'es impressive executions on piano, Moog synthesizer and Hammond organ in a very rich enviroment, which blends the romantic mood of NOVALIS with the massive workouts of E.L.P. and LE ORME, while the trio appears to deliver smooth and emotional moments, based on Koelle's very nice voice.Beautiful symphonic textures with some great melodious soundscapes are the driving force of this release, which sounds less flexible than ''Illusions on a double Dimple'' with the short tracks' length being the main reason for the fact.Even so the level of musicianship is up there, facing the best moments of E.L.P., full of bombastic, dual keyboard waves and more laid-back and harmonic lines.

Yet another consistent and tight album by Triumvirat with a great concept supporting the music.Strongly recommended to all fans of keyboard-driven Progressive Rock...3.5 stars.