PREMONITION

This the best 90's album by MacAlpine until "Evolution". The reason is is focused playing, better composed instrumentals and equally good drummer with chops. In addition, this transitional album showcases first signs of MacAlpine dabbling in fusion; it's not anymore soloing into a rock rhythm, feeling and sophistication soar this album into a higher floor.

Two Chopin opuses and one rondeau confirm MacAlpine's advanced piano playing. Most tracks have a melodic guitar line. "The violin song" is a complex fusion composition with incredible guitar/synth solos full of energy and motivation. It's a great combination, complex soloing married with attractive lead motive. "Ghost of Versailles" has a more traditional structure but complex is pretty diverse, still. "Tower of London" has thundering rhythm and neoclassical feeling from the 80's. "Rusalka" is another highlight on the album, slow but tasty guitar harmonies. "Gila monster" is the only typical heavy metal track here and it's good to take it plainly. "Maestro di Capella" has a nice accessible guitar chords with solo guitar in the background. "Inflectio" is the second great fusion track with bass out of this space - its atmosphere is so much different from anything else here. "Animation" is close to progressive metal/rock and the drummer is well aware of it.

A nice album but better ones are still to come!