ALCHEMY

UK composer and musician Clive NOLAN should be a familiar name for just about anyone who has ever had an interest in progressive rock, and in particular amongst those with an interest in the neo-progressive part of the genre. With more than 25 years as a member of Pendragon and tenures in a myriad of other bands and projects over the years, he has been a highly visible and productive contributor to the genre. As a solo artist his output has been more rare and under the radar however, "Alchemist" is his third ever solo production. This double CD was released by Metal Mind Records in March 2013.

While I'm not an expert on either rock operas nor musicals, my impression is that Clive Nolan has made himself a good quality product of the genre with "Alchemist". High adventure with a solid dash of tragic romance is a mix that tends to go down well, and with compelling moods, symphonic oriented motifs aplenty and strong, distinct high quality lead and backing vocals throughout this is a compelling and easy to like creation. If you enjoy musicals in general this production is well worth getting familiar with, and if you loved Nolan's previous rock opera "She" I can't see any reason for you not to become just as fond of this one.