LIVE IN POLAND - RESONANCE

'Resonance' is the second (or third, depending on who you ask) live album by British neo-proggers Galahad, released in 2006 and recorded in Poland. This Dorset-based band has had an interesting history, starting in 1985, releasing their debut studio album in '91 and going on to release some fairly well-received and respected modern progressive rock records, the most special of which is probably the one that came right after this live album/DVD, and is also prominently featured.

The decision to play almost the entire 'Empires Never Last' album before its official release is a bold and interesting decision that must have surely helped to promote it and to 'pump up' the audience for this behemoth of an album that was going to be released. What is even more pleasant about this recording, is the fact that the band is on top of their game and play flawlessly throughout the entire 90 minutes of length - exactly what one expects from a seasoned prog band, especially if we consider the live album as a snapshot of where the band is at this point in time of their career; and this strong release showcases in just what good form Galahad was around 2006-07, a band that I would say is not easy to get into.

The MVP of this album has to be, if I could put it that way, Stuart Nicholson, the band's enigmatic vocalist. His performance is pretty spectacular, just as it is on the following studio release that I already mentioned. His range and voice fit perfectly the music that these people create, which is a good reason to name the rest of the band: Lee Abraham on bass and backing vocals, Roy Keyworth on guitars, Dean Baker on keys and backing vocals and Spencer Luckman on drums.

The suspense is all over the place, the setlist is well-though out, focusing on the band's epics and on the new material. 'Montagues and Capulets' by Prokofiev opens the set, just to be followed by one of Galahad's masterworks, 'I Could Be God' from 'Empires'. 'Year Zero' comes next, a sort of medley, containing the so-called 'Parts 1-4', a very epic and atmospheric track that embraces the listener in the setting of this concert, followed by 'Bug Eye', a great muscular song from the band's then-previous studio album. Then they set into 'Sidewinder', another fantastic 'new' song, followed by 'Sleepers' from the band's eponymous album, and the set finishes with three more excellent tracks from 'Empires Never Last' - the title track, 'Termination' and the astonishing 'This Life Could Be My Last?'.

A well-recorded album, slightly quiet mix but clear enough to hear all that is happening on the stage. Moreover, a really great selection of songs to fit into this hour and a half, and a stellar performance to top it all. I consider this live album truly excellent.