ANTHEM OF THE GREAT WAVE

Tsunami is a obscure band that released only one album in the beggining of the'90's - exactly in 1992 named Anthem of the great wave. While i consider this album to be one of the most promising neo prog albums of the'90's, many prog listners considered that this is a mediocre one with annoying vocals here and there. Quite contrary i find this album very enjoyble with a lot to offer. This band is clearly influenced by Marillion (Fish era), sometimes the vocalist Alexander IV is one on one with Fish and with Queensryche on some solos, riffs and arrangements. The best pieces are the first 2 - Spiderchess and Roadyssey - excellent vocal parts and very smooth atmosphere create by the keyboardist Grodth van Jaddon. The cherry on the cake here is their magnum opus - the title track Tsunami, no more that 20 minutes of pure neo prog music. All in all a great album, underrated by many prog listners. Is not very easy to find this CD, but if you do don't hesitate to listen, they worth it. 4 stars without hesitation

A complete obscurity,this band has been listed even as a German or Belgian one,but Tsunami were actually from the Netherlands,consisting of guitarist/singer Alexander IV,bassist Lex,guitarist Marc de Dombayrre,keyboardist Grodth van Jaddon and drummer Victor van Liss.Their only album with the delicate title ''Anthem Of The Great Wave'' was released in 1992 on Music Is Intelligence.

''Anthem Of The Great Wave'' is been listed in various metal archival sites,but the album falls right into the progressive rock category,particularly in the Neo/Symphonic Prog genre.The reason of the presence of the album in these sites has to be the voice of Alexander IV,a singer with a high-pitched voice close to Ray Alder of Fates Warning or former Elegy frontman Eduard Hovinga,a style which either you love it or hate it.Musically the album has plenty of similarities with early MARILLION,ABRAXAS and COLLAGE,this means very dynamic and atmospheric Neo Prog with some superb guitar breaks,symphonic hints,synth-led passages and often a grandiose atmosphere.Tsunami even threw a 20-min. epic in the album,which carries the name of the band as a title,and is a great example of the band's high and low points.Strong guitar work with plenty of soloing,symphonic keys throughout and a good vocal performance but also some boring instrumental minutes with flat musicianship.The shorter tracks actually work better with very tight composing,good interplays,catchy choruses and the lead guitars shining through.

Tsunami had certainly talent but noone ever heard of them again after this album.Still ''Anthem Of The Great Wave'' deserves some more fame,being a very good example of powerful Neo Prog,which will please also fans of Symphonic Rock as well as lovers of guitar-driven albums.Recommended.