CHRONICLES II

Unlike the amazing Chronicles I compilation, Chronicles II really pales in comparison. The main reason is because the material is taken from Eloy's most mediocre period in their long history, 1984-1992. The first four songs are the only noteworthy ones worth mentioning. They are all from the Metromania album and have been re-recorded with former Eloy members Klaus-Peter Matziol, Hannes Arkona, Hannes Folberth, and Fritz Randow. Admittedly, Metromania was the end of a slow downhill fall from grace for Eloy, but it was surprisingly better than the continuing fall the band would exhibit as a duo of Bornemann and Gerlach with their mediocre releases of Ra and Destination.

The rest of the album is from those last two albums, not re-recorded, not including the former members, but just remastered. To my ears, I can hardly sense any difference from the originals. What was the point of that? And this was to commemorate Eloy's 25th anniversary? How embarrassing.

Bornemann would have been better advised to have continued his re-recording project by picking more stuff from their 1977-1982 period, or even selecting some earlier stuff. Sure, a lot of people from the 1990s might not have recognized it, but your old-time fans certainly would have appreciated it on an anniversary year.

Clearly seek out Chronicles I as it is a masterpiece. Chroncles II is best suited for completionists and die-hard fans. At best, it's worth two stars.