OMEGA III

Essentially a compilation of tracks previously recorded in the Hungarian language redone in English utilizing better music gear and superior recocording techniques than found on the Hungarian versions. Perhaps not entirely appealing to the 70`s prog purist there are sevral tracks that make Omega III well worth the test drive.

Spanish Guitar which is actually a synth-led mystical tale which uses the Spanish guitar metaphorically using the mellotron to great effect. I Go Away & Remembering deal with separation & isolation and with their minor keyed arrangements and vocal/guitar dynamics achieve an almost mezmerizing melacholic effect. Other tracks on the album are more upbeat and feature some interesting instrumental work, particularily on the track Just a Bloom which is basically a cool studio jam while Fancy Jeep has a psychedelic tinge to it and brings the listener back to Omega`s early days.

Recommended for those with an interest in early 70`s prog from bands such as Eloy,The Strawbs or Novalis but may be hard to find as it has been deleted from Bellaphon`s CD catologue. Some of the tracks, however, can be found on th 2001 remaster of the Hungarian album Nem tudom a neved," Stormy Fire" along with a lyric sheet.

Omega started making attempts to reach a wider audience and Bacillus supported the band by releasing the ''Omega III'' album in 1974.Reputedly this album, which contains 9 tracks sung in English, included older compositions of the group, re-arranged by the band with English lyrics.

Stylistically this is rather a step back for the band, which returns to its Hard Rock roots, quite reasonable for a band, which revisits its older material.Compositionally though ''Omega III'' is a pretty strong album, even if the progressive flavors are limited.Tight, well-produced and powerful Hard Rock with occasional symphonic/proggy vibes and fantastic work on English vocals by Janos Kobor.Actually they sound extremely close to British bands, especially URIAH HEEP, dropping hard riffing next to dymanic and diverse keyboard parts full of passion and energy.As aforementioned, most of the tracks are straightforward Hard Rock with great guitar moves, edgy solos and lots of keyboard waves next to Kobor's great voice.A few of them though really stand out.''Remembering'' is a very good piece of Classic/Prog Rock in the vein of URIAH HEEP and THE MOODY BLUES with a nice organ intro, irritating Mellotron parts and melodic guitar soloing by Gyorgy Molnar.''I go away'' is quite close to Classical Rock with psychedelic beats, highlighted by a beautiful opening organ themes by Benko and another monumental guitar performance by Molnar.''Spanish guitar'' is another winner.Accesible, consistent and solid Classic Rock with background Mellotrons and a fine combination of electric and acoustic textures.

This is an album closer to the likes of Classic Rock than Progressive Rock fans.Even so, its high level of energy, consistent compositions and Benko's amazing voice are good reasons to give this a spin.Warmly recommended.