EMERSON LAKE & PALMER

Well, here we have the debut album from another quintessential band in progressive rock. For my taste it is also the best one of their catalogue, because, while most of its followers contained one or two major flaws, this one stands like a gem in brute. This record as well contains some of the most stunning piano passages I've ever listened. Honestly

The opening track, "The Barbarian", contains most of the ingredients characteristic to this album and to this band in general (except Greg Lake's vocals, missing here), those being Keith Emerson's amazing organ passages and piano extravanganzas, signs of a true master, Carl Palmer's agressive drumming (he has become one of favourite drummers, along with Phil Collins) and finally Greg Lake's subtle guitar work.

"Take a Pebble" is probably one of my favourite epic pieces of all time. It is sweet, melodic enchanting and again, the piano passages here can make anyone melt.

"Knife edge" is a rocker reminiscent of early days of rock' n ' roll, in which Greg Lake's bass and guitar sections interleave elegantly with Keith Emerson organ to obtain a pretty strong track.

"The Three Fates" makes Keith Emerson the true protagonist this time, with the organ at the beginning (like he would do in countless times to start many ELP songs) giving this song a classical atmosphere, followed by another superb set of fast and excellent piano loops which drive your mind to pure delirium.

In "Tank", the star role moves now to Greg Lake and Carl Palmer, the first one with his guitars and the latter with a strong drum playing, creating a stunning classic rock performance.

And finally, in the last track, Greg Lake is the star again, but this time showing us his skills as a vocalist, and I would dare to say that this song contains one of his best vocal performances, not to mention it is a beautiful and delicious song.

So, like I mentioned before this is their best balanced record, with no apparent flaws, which makes an essencial piece in any progressive rock collection. Highly recommended.