OPUS

Yleclipse

Neo-Prog

3.40 | 39 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

The previous album from this band left me as cold as ice: basic neo-prog, period. I just hoped that this one would be superior.

The filiation with "Genesis" is still obvious (there are several Hackett-like solo) but the music sounds more mature. It is good to see that the band was moved from RPI to neo...

Vocals somehow reminds of "Marillion" Mark I (the only one as far as I'm concerned). Just listen to the good opening "A Crown Of Gold" to get this confirmed. But this is only the first of a list.

This album is stronger than "Prime Substance" for sure. Compositions are harmonious and guitar work is very powerful and emotional. English vocals are good although somewhat theatrical and willing to remind some other "voices" from the past during the excellent "Reality Show".

Some lighter and acoustic parts are also available: another short Hackett touch but nice to break the mood ("Sailing To Caralis", or the medieval but symphonic "Carol").

This band fits perfectly the neo-prog genre like their country men "The Watch" (whom I prefer). Melodic and crafted that's a given fact, but the phantom of the masters is really catching up later in this "Opus" (title track as well as "Glorious"). These musicians are gifted (but after all, this is normal to expect) and the writing skills on this work is pretty decent too.

The most "Genesis" sounding track is the fine "Tale Of The Black Cloak". One of the longest available and also another one to feature brilliant guitar lines (one of their strong points by all means). Some Banks influence is immediately noticeable as the song starts as well. This track holds a lot of different moods and textures: it is the most sophisticated from this "Opus" and the most achieved; even if not too personal.

If you like the early "Marillion" and the late middle seventies "Genesis", this album is definitely an interesting one for your ears. If you are too much of a purist, you could avoid it. I rate it as a good album. Three stars.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2009-12-19

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