LUCIFER'S FRIEND

Another "catalyst" release that changed my life in terms of music listening and truly understanding" who was who" out there in the world...The first effort by germany's LUCIFER's FRIEND just pleasurably burns through the listener's mind and heart with some of the most fantastic musicianship ever offered.The rythmn section of JOACHIM RIETENBACH and DIETER HORNS is perfectly "locked in" to the rest of the band even though there is the sense of quality "independence" in each of thier musical skills...I agree with previous reviewer about JOHN LAWTON's early,expansive vocal sound-without it ever coming out poublically,LAWTON influenced singers of the genre!!PETER HESSLEIN's guitar work smolders through all of the pieces here while simultaneously being bathed and frighteningly innnertwined with PETER HECHT's rich,textural organ movements."RIDE THE SKY" has it all{and I mean this!}and the addition of french horn{?}really compliments this short but wonderous opening gem.As "EVERYBODY'S CLOWN" proceeds ,things really get moving and one can be sure that LUCIFER'S FRIEND is a very intricate unit.Lush interplay between all members makes this a must own!!It is a shame that most people were asleep when it came to this brilliant ensemble.Enough said.Other extremem highlights are "TOXIC SHADOWS","IN TIME OF JOB WHEN MAMMON WAS A YIPPIE","LUCIFER'S FRIEND" and "ALPHENROSEN".