OSIRIS

How these Arab brothers from Bahrain got into progressive music is an interesting read to say the least. They certainly had parents who were open and supportive to whatever they wanted to do. So when the one wanted to play drums and the other brother guitar the parents provided the instruments and the lessons.Their older brothers and sisters were into jazz,classical,folk and rock so they were exposed to a lot of music growing up. After reading good reviews for YES and JETHRO TULL the brothers took the plunge and their love of prog began. They continued to play and learn their instruments even when off to University,the one to England the other to the USA. When they came back in 1980 the search for serious band mates began.This is the result right here,their first album released in 1982. "They chose the name OSIRIS from Egyptian mythology not only for it's sound but it's references to Arab culture,youth and fertility". By the way this band is still playing in 2010. Before i start i have to say that the music here is very much like CAMEL's first two albums.The vocals and style especially. I'm not sure about the Neo-Prog tag here actually, but maybe that's more to do with following releases.

"Fantasy" is my favourite track. The synths and guitar build as drums and bass join in. Check out the drumming after minute ! It then settles and vocals join in. How good is this ! So moving. Drums and keyboards after 4 1/2 minutes are killer to end it. "Sailor On The Seas Of Fire" opens with the sounds of sea gulls as organ,percussion then guitar join in. A calm after 3 1/2 minutes as vocals arrive.The drums and bass are back then it kicks back in.Guitar leads after 5 1/2 minutes then a calm arrives a minute later. Strummed guitar and keyboards with cymbals lead here. Electric guitar 8 minutes in as it builds.The synths are great.

"Struggle To Survive" has this powerful intro but then it settles before a minute.Vocals follow.I like the crisp drumming here. This is very CAMEL-like. Raw guitar after 2 1/2 minutes as he proceeds to light it up. It settles back with vocals then kicks back in again. Great tune. "Atmun" has a good rhythm to it. The guitar starts to lead before 2 minutes.The organ before 4 minutes is brief as the guitar dominates on this one. Embers Of A Flame" features strummed guitar early but it turns heavy quickly. A calm with vocals follows. Check out the guitar after 2 minutes as it takes off. Synths then organ late. "A Story Of Love" is another CAMEL flavoured tune with drums and guitar standing out. Vocals before 2 minutes and they come and go on this one. "Paradox In A Major" opens with guitar followed by vocals.The guitar is back when the vocals stop as contrasts continue. "Look Before You Leap" opens with synths and a beat. Vocals after a minute as guitar comes and goes.

The Al-Sadeqi brothers are exremely talented,i'm so impressed with the drumming and guitar work on this one. A solid 4 stars.