THE MASQUERADE OVERTURE

Hi, this is my first review in Progarchives and I want to start with this amazing work, "The Masquerade Overture". This was the first album I heard of this band, because of that I have special appreciation but I try to be as objective as possible. I have always considered this group with a very fresh and original sound distinguishing it from many other neo prog bands of the 90's. I believe however this work is the highest point of the long career of Pendragon. This album has great vocal arrangements , beautiful melodies and a good balance in all tracks. The highest points are the solid "As good as gold" with a great intro, the very melodic "Paintbox", the beautiful celtic melody "The Persuit of excellence", the magnificent "Gardian of my Soul" with very good guitar riff, solo synth and good melodic arrangements (very nice work of Nick Barret in this track), the last 4 minutes of "Master of Illusion" are tremendous and finally , the jewel in the crown, the emotional "The Shadow" :

(Looking for somewhere that's home to me now The king of the castle and his sacred cow I've travelled the world and by chance this is how The lies became true Between me and you Free spirit I've travelled so follow me now)

I have no words , I can only say WOW, thx Pendragon for this Masterpiece

(Please sorry for my bad english)

4.5