CHRONOMETREE

For their next work the duo of Fred Schendel and Steve Babb would focus on writing a concept album about a fan of Prog Rock, becoming obsessed with his records to the point he thinks they talk to him!Walter Moore is again among the participants, but lead voices are now a resposibility of newcomer Brad Marler.They also invited Terry Clouse from Somnambulist to help out on lead guitars, while Prog Metal hero Arjen Lucassen makes also additional appearances on electric guitar.The album's line-up becomes complete with Susie Bogdanowicz, Jamie Watkins and Sarah Snyder on backing vocals and ''Chronometree'' is released in May 2000 on the band's Arion label.

Glass Hammer appear to be the American answer to THE FLOWER KINGS, but this time, apart from the evident YES influence, there are some strong E.L.P. vibes throughout the album due to the frequent use of Hammond organ and the display of some jazzier keyboard interludes next to the bombastic side of Symphonic Rock.With each release the songwriting and overall arrangements of Glass Hammer sound more tight, cohesive and eventually convincing.They have this recognizable American flavor of new US Prog bands through the ethereal vocals and the more pompous vocal/instrumental deliveries, but the music is heavily influenced by the British Prog scene.This time there are some beautiful vocal melodies and sweet instrumental flashes placed next to the more virtuosic organ-drenched offerings and powerful keyboard solos, while the presence of an accomplished little team on guitars adds some great guitar moves and solos.The album lacks long, epic tracks, but the musicianship is always proggy and highly symphonic with references both to modern and old trends, organ and Mellotron sit next to dreamy synthesizers and plenty of Classical piano lines.The best asset of this fourth studio album comes from the trully memorable tunes and the presence of a great singer in the unknown Brad Madler.The result is a pretty satisfying Neo/Symphonic Prog effort with emphasis on delightful keyboard themes, but also some great guitar work.

The strongest work of Glass Hammer from the 1990-2000 decade.Progressive Rock with an exhibition of romantic melodies, grandiose orchestrations and E.L.P.-styled masturbations.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.