MARBURG

The debut album from this German band is an ode to the heavy sounds not alien to Atomic Rooster. While you discover the opener The Clown And The Queen, you should be blown away by the power of the Hammond organ and the wild vocals. Almost nine minutes of frenzy which have some ELP accents as well. It is already a highlight.

A much more symphonic (even pastoral) piece is following, maybe to cool down. The very melodic Moldau is a sweet instrumental track, full of mellotron and violin. It's melancholy is premonitory of the brilliant Swedish scene of the nineties. In a totally different register, this is the second highlight already.

Friend almost starts as Easy Livin from the Heep with high pitched vocals. An ocean of strong organ are surging but all of a sudden, the sweetest flute enters the scene and introduces a short and multi vocal part which is quite close to Gentle Giant. Then, the listener is brought into the crazy and grotesque world of Grobschnitt. To loop the loop, the closing section is just a furious and heavy organ party. Another very good song to tell the truth.

The long City Monster is only shining during the second half: the lovely violin solo has surely inspired some Kansas ones.ELP is on the rendezvous as well for the bombastic finale.

When I listened to Alone, after the chaotic intro, one comparison came to my mind (at least for about forty seconds): this doom metal sound was fully in line with the early Sabbath. Imposing, scary and heavy. The rest of this song is more traditional with the other pieces of this debut album (which is quite different from their later works). Again, the listener is passing through many theme changes: from heavy to subtle and passionate violin solo. This is quite a nice treat. Needless to say that Alone is another excellent track.

Fans of Jane, ELP and Atomic Rooster you should watch out: this album might well be very interesting for you. Four stars for this mostly heavy album.