ZALMOXE

... And out of the ashes of Phoenix come this amazing band from Romania who recorded a gem of an album with "Zalmoxe". SFINX's "Zalmoxe" is a concept album based on the historical figure "Zalmoxe", who was a divine religious leader under the rule of the king Burebista. "Zalmoxe" is symphonic prog lovers buffet. Musically this band were deep and tight and I just love the vintage 70's keyboard sound they created. All songs are well thought thru and performed in a spacey soft manner. Musically this album remonds me at times of a few bands including BARCLAY JAMES & HARVEST (Mierea), Canada's FM, NEKTAR and even OMEGA. Highly recommended album.

When my mother told me that she plans to go to Romania to discover the unknown, I took a quick browse on the Internet, and I gave her the list of Romanian prog bands that I was able to find on web. Two weeks later she came back with loads of souvenirs, Dracula T-shirt, few Romanian recorders and small flutes and a yellow cassette.

That yellow cassette appeared to be SFINX'es "Zalmoxe", poor edition without any details in inner sleeve, not even the year of issue. Just terribly printed list of tracks, and these track appeared to be in different order from the CD issues that I've found on Web. Maybe because of tape length. And no bonus tracks here. So I placed a tape into my cassette player...

...and didn't move or breathe for next 45 minutes. What can I say about this gem? It sounds like these guys came out of nowhere, reinventing the music and making an album that can't be compared to anything, because it's so unique.

There are quite a few multilayered vocals, based on orthodox monastery prayers. Somehow that reminds me of QUEEN, rather than URIAH HEEP or GENTLE GIANT. Electric guitar is doing some nice job here and there, but the keyboards got the prominent role. You can here some nice odd time signature sequences (based on the Balkan music) that reminds me of LEB I SOL or perhaps AREA's synth solos (only not so raw) and calm pads surrounding the vocals. These pads are the reason why this album sounds ahead of its time, really, it sounds like a mixture of symphonic keyboard oriented rock and ballads that could perfectly fit in a role of any of the 1980's world soccer championship anthems. But don't get me wrong, this formula works fine, because every moment you can expect a cross fade between ballad part and some absolutely insane sounds. Production is fine, sounds quite polished (in a good way).

Again, what can I say... I'm hesitating to give this album five stars because of occasional inconsistencies (some tracks are not weaker, they're just less enjoyable), and because some tracks could've been more developed. Actually, they are developed enough, but in which direction? This album is so strange, and so hard to rate. I guess you can easily call it a masterpiece, or dislike it...but definitely well worth giving a try.

For many years i want to wrote a review about Sfinx, because is a band from my country Romania, and second because is a true prog band from the '70. It's a shame they don't hit the big time in Europe, because in that days the comunists were all over in the eastern Europe. They have some problems with , i might say freedom of speach, but with all that they have many fans around the country. So most of prog lovers don't know this band, it's a shame, a magnific prog band, in my humble opinion they play fiew times in Europe, recieving good reviews in that time. This album, is a masterpice, worth listen every track. Beautiful keys, some of them with a touch of Genesis, in my opinion, but not a copy. Some forte tracks are Calatorul prin nori (cloud traveller) and Din nou acasã (Home Again). 5 stars for sure. Highly recommended album. This album along with Cantafabule of Phoenix is the best Romania ever delivered in prog music. And for sure better than many well known prog albums, it deserve to be where it belongs, in the top of prog music.

This album turned out to be everything I read it would be and more – what an outstanding piece of seventies prog! Romanians may be familiar with Sfinx, but for guys like me on the other side of the world this is a band and a record that is a delight to discover even more than thirty years after its release.

I suppose the band may rate a ‘progressive folk’ label based on the lyrical theme of this album, or perhaps thanks to a few lighter and somewhat pastoral tunes on the record such as “Mierea” or the ambient and heavily synthesized “Cãlãtorul prin nori”; not sure. In reality though this could easily be considered a symphonic rock band with their extensive use of keyboards, tight electric guitar riffs and regular rock-opera, swelling arrangements reminiscent of the American art rock band Styx circa the same timeframe (listen to “Kogaion” and tell me you don’t hear “Mr. Roboto”, or a viber similar to “Fooling Yourself” on “Blana De Urs”).

These are not ripoffs or tributes though, but rather a quartet of dedicated musicians half a world away from the rock arenas of North America, discovering their own sound and apparently in spirited competition with countrymen Phoenix for the hearts and minds of adventurous music lovers in Communist-era Romania. This was originally supposed to be released in 1975 and was also supposed to be a double album, but thanks to government bureaucracy and censorship was reduced to just forty-two minutes (plus a few bonus tracks on the reissue).

Not that I’m complaining; the music that made it to release is top-notch as the band relates the life story of Greek cult figure Zalmoxis as told in the lyrics of Romanian poet Adrian Hoajă. I’m sure the storyline enhances the appeal of the album for native speakers, but I’m quite impressed simply by the quality of the music without even knowing more than just the theme of the songs themselves. Like I said, if you were into seventies arena art-rock bands like Styx, the Nice or even ELO you should find this album appealing. At times it’s heavier and more proggy than those bands though, who tend to be known as more commercial (and rightfully so). Sfinx take their craft a bit more seriously I think, as evidenced in the wickedly heavy instrumental (guitar/keyboards) dirge “Kogaion” or the spacey “Calatorul Prin Nori” (the traveler through clouds). That latter one has a few issues with the production quality, which in general is good on the album but uneven in just a few spots.

I really wonder what the other disc’s worth of music that was cut from this record sounded like. One can imagine a true rock opera with deep forays into synthesizer and guitar riffs stretching out over well over an hour; perhaps someday the suppressed tapes will be reunited with this music and a proper reissue can be made.

In the meantime, check out this four-star genuine prog rock gem. Highly recommended for prog folk, symphonic rock and art rock fans in general. Well worth a listen.

peace

A couple years ago, my good friend Szolt Enyedi (Keyboardist of YESTERDAYS), sent me a collection of his favourite Romanian albums,. and among this "Zalmoxe" with an special recommendation. So heard it and was fascinating, but in those days SFINX wasn't inckluded in Prog Archives, so wasn't able to review it.

The years passed and after adding TABULA SMARAGDINA from Hungary, "Zalmoxe" was mentioned in the thread, checked it and I forgot to write a review, so immediately took my CD, placed in the computer and decided to write a review that made some justice to this excellent album that defines the essence of what Eclectic Prog means.

"Zalmoxe" is opened with the breathtaking blend of Baroque and quasi Gregorian introduction of "Ursitoarele" (Fortune Tellers), but after some seconds this changes radically into a fluid Symphonic - Heavy Prog song with multiple changes and amazing guitar riffs. This guys don't save anything for the end, they give 110% from the start.

"Blana de Urs" (Bear's Fur) starts with a long introductory section that morphs into an organ driven passage that reminds me almost immediately of YES. In this case the drumming and bass are outstanding, complementing perfectly the creative work of Guitar, Keyboard and vocals, just delightful. But that's not all, the song morphs again into some sort of Classic Rock with strong keyboards that seems simple, but it's quite interesting.

"Mierea" (The Honey) reminds me of 1970's releases by Argentinean bands such as SERU GIRAM or SUI GENERIS, because of the way they make an elaborate song seem so simple and fluid,. almost as a soft ballad, but in this case with surprising fugues of keyboard. Beautiful and interesting.

It's sad to listen this great music and not be able to understand the lyrics (Don't know a word of Romanian), but he beauty and naive complexity of their music makes me care very little about this, and Pestera is a great example, when I listen the 2:00 minutes instrumental break with a sound that seems as a native wind instrument and lush keyboards, I forget about any linguistic problem and can only concentrate in the heartbreaking music.

"Epifania" (Epiphany) is another soft and gentle Ballad that seems to flow gently from start to end without surprises, but nothing so far from truth, when you less expect, a dramatic change or a lush keyboard impromptu makes the listener remember that we are before a Progressive Rock band and that we must expect the unexpected.

"Furtuna cu Trup de Balour" (Dragon Shaped Storm) marks a break point in the album, if the previous songs were soft, gentle and melodic, "Furtuna" is frenetic and even heavy, with one of the ,most unusual structures I heard. Even when this guys rock, they do it in an original way, special mention to the organs sections that give extra brilliance to an already excellent song.

"Cãlãtorul Prin Nori" (Cloud Traveller) is a strange mix between ethnic sounds, electronic music and a bit of VANGELIS, but as the song advances the Folk component takes the first role with it's nostalgic and warm atmosphere, while "Corneliu Bibi Ionescu" in the bass and "Mihai Cernea" in the drums give a touch of mystery that seem to lead to an explosion of sounds that never comes, keeping the audience in suspense. Brilliant structure.

"Kogaion" with it's extraordinary vocal work between haunting Monastery choirs and QUEEN at it's best (For God's sake even "Dan Andrei Aldea" with his guitar sounds close to Brian May), the track is always in crescendo, until they reach a point in which suddenly stops, a great preparation for the grand finale.

"Epilog" (Epilogue) closes the album with another unusual combination of sounds, styles and moods, that go from vocal and fluid to dark and mysterious, a bit short maybe, but good closer.

The version I received has four more tracks, but those who know me are aware that I never review bonus tracks despite their quality, because in my opinion an album must be listened in the way the author originally released it.

"Zalmoxe" is another reason of why I'm so obsessed with Eastern Europe Prog, their versatility, the new sounds that come from their own native sounds and the dexterity of the musicians, make me love the music from this part of the world more and more.

Not a perfect masterpiece, but extremely close to this status, so any rating bellow 4 stars would be absolutely unfair.

SFINX began all the way back in 1963 in Bucharest but wouldn't release their first album until 1975 and is one of the few Romanian progressive bands i've ever come across. This second album ZALMOXE is a concept album based on the lyrics of poet Alexandru Basarab which retold the story of Zalmoxis's existence. Zalmoxis, you may be wondering, is a divinity of the Getae (a tribe of the lower Danube) mentioned by Herodotus in his Histories IV, 93-96. I had to look this up so if you want more info I advise you to do the same! Unfortunately the album was ready for market shorty after their first release LUME ALBA in 1975 but due to political censorship by the Communist regime, the album was delayed 3 years and half of it scrapped. The original intent was to have a double album. Once finally released the album was a huge hit in their native homeland but has remained a bit obscure everywhere else. The lyrics are totally in Romanian. This is one that I wish I could understand because it sounds like an interesting concept that warrants comprehension of the story.

As for the music itself, it is eclectic but has a very symphonic sound. It is always dramatic and melodic. To me it sounds like it is most closely akin to symphonic Italian prog like PFM especially in Dan Andrei Aldea's vocal department with the rest of the band harmonizing. He is also the guitarist and plays some great heavy prog sounds with the guitar. Some of the more pastoral moments can bring Genesis to mind as well. Nicole Enache's keyboards can be bombastic like in ELP but most often not and band members always complement the other instruments so any one particular member never steals the show for long. At times the keyboards have a new wave repetitive synth approach. There are long drawn out symphonic parts and there are energetic bursts of energy strewn about. Drummer Mihai Cernea keeps the rock in the prog and surely deserves a mention here. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that there seems to be no Romanian folk music influences whatsoever.

Overall I really like this album. It's not quite up to masterpiece level. I am left wondering if the original double-album would bring this altogether a bit better. It sounds like things may have been clipped somewhat haphazardly but also the quality sounds very good like something greater once existed. I am left admiring this album for what is but wishing it could have been what it was intended to be.

SFINX got their start in 1963 when three High School students formed this band. "Zalmoxe" was released in January of 1979 and only the bass player remains from the original group. A four piece here of guitar/vocals, bass, drums and keyboards, this is a concept album to do with mythology. These guys are from Romania and while I only have a handful of Romanian albums this is clearly the best album I've heard from this former communist nation. I'm so impressed with this record that seems maybe more Symphonic than anything else. And I'm surprised at how original it sounds or I should say I'm surprised this isn't a copy of GENESIS, YES or KC. The only bands I thought of with this album was GENESIS and that was because of the synths and also PFM for the same reason.

The opener "Fortune Tellers" is my favourite. This is where we get a bit of a GENESIS/PFM vibe. They repeat themes and man how gorgeous does this sound before 2 1/2 minutes. The guitar is excellent too after 3 minutes. Synths and vocals standout on "Bear's Fur" where two themes are contrasted. "The Honey" is a mellow tune including the soft vocals, spacey synths. The guitar solo is also relaxed after 2 1/2 minutes. Intricate sounds including percussion and guitar as vocals sing over top. Some depth and nasty keyboards after a minute. Really good. "Epiphany" is another beautiful and light track with vocals early on before they amp it all up some 2 1/2 minutes in. "Dragon Shaped Storm" is more urgent sounding and even the vocals sound more serious. Oh yeah the storm. "Cloud Traveller" has synths all over it as a dramatic beat joins in. Some uplifting stuff later on in this very cool sounding tune. "Kogaion" is my second favourite track. Lots of atmosphere with vocal expressions. Inventive. Some chants too then it turns heavier 2 minutes in with that guitar and more. So good. "Epilogue" is a good closer starting off very laid back with vocals before turning more passionate. Lots of synths minus vocals late to end it.

A classic seventies album right here. Not a masterpiece in my opinion but one that I think most Prog fans would really appreciate to have in their collection.

Second Wave Proggers hailing from Romania (I'm not sure I'm aware of any of their would-be peers), Zalmoxe is their second studio album (1979). A good example of something that occurs quite a lot on this site: one middle-career album that is absolutely beloved and highly heralded collectively amidst other albums that are apparently not up to snuff in comparison.

"Ursitoarele" starts everything off with a sort of medieval vocal section. And as the vocals come in, in my experience, this is squarely Eastern European. I feel as though some of my first tastes of Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso sounded somewhat like this, though, too (I guess the Romantic ties are stronger than I realized). Around minute 3, the vocals fall away and it is an instrumental blaze of excitement. Certainly worth hearing once. Guitar and drums are aflame above soft keys. The vocal melody in this second half is also quite nice.

"Blana De Urs" is very bright and immediately reminds of Supertramp, but also melodically of bands like Starcastle and Citadel. Great track. Really great vocal harmonies with some awesome memorable melodies. With a shared theme, "Mierea" enters in cool and spacious. The cymbal bell strikes are reminiscent of ITCOTCK. The synth pads are very of the time. As collected and close as this track is, it has a great rhythm. Excellent, feeling guitar solo here. "Pestera" comes off the former with a very different feel: Mid-Eastern(?) with really cool percussion and what sounds like sitar; it features a pretty cool synth solo.

"Epiphania" starts off sweet and open with synth padding, then acoustic guitar and balladic vocals. It's lackluster at first, eventually building around minute 2 with synth and epic drums. Very of the time, here in the second half. Sorta reminiscent to something out of Styx's discography, I guess? It hasn't aged exceptionally, though it does have a great feel. Also worth a listen once or twice. Good enough time as any to say that the mix for a lot of the instruments is weirdly low throughout the album. "Furtuna Cu Trup De Balaur" is the first track that really feels like we're in a world that is (unfortunately) all too ready for Neo-Prog. There's still plenty of 'old' holding it back (ya know, in the good way). I thought it was a good track, but some of the choices compositionally, I suppose, were not exactly great. I really cannot place it...

"Calatorul Prin Nori" starts off open and ethereal, like a call to something ancient. The track's English title is "Cloud Traveller" [sic] and... it fits! It's one step away from being ambient. Things build in the second half. Grandiose and yet... static? It was pretty good. The theme of the next, "Kogaion", is a melodic continuation of the former. This is a creeping track, once again hearkening back to something ancient, medieval or hermetic... Looking at the title, I had a thought that maybe it was some kind of callback to Magma's/Vander's Kobaïan alien language [Wouldn't that be something?]. This track is truly sinister... and doesn't really sound like anything else. The way they mixed the drums in both ears is honestly alarming in minute 2... And finally is the "Epilog", low and slow and yet big. When I say 'finally', that is for the original release, so onto the so-called bonus tracks!

"Din Nou Acasa" starts off low and slow, and... relatively uninteresting. Really cool sonic choices though as we approach the midpoint. And then we have... boogie-woogie(?) in "Scufita Rosie". It's honestly pretty cool once it gets going (I mean, that's pretty immediately actually). Very unlike anything on the album. And yet it's one of the most solid things on the album... Prog fans will have to decide for themselves. "Fetele Albine" ("Bee Girls") starts off interestingly enough [Y'all know 'honey f*ckers'(?!), because it wasn't me who told you about them hahahaha]. Pretty cool, of-the-time sonic choices here. Weirdly reminiscent of... Synth Pop? And then truly finally, "Zmeul", a Vaudeville-ready number with rolling keys and drums and optimistic vocals. Really cool is the viol in the second half! Sweet solo. Very quirky. Then... what?! Queen-esque guitar harmonies! Very neat. Sort of reminiscent of Sparks, I do suppose. And that's it!

Bonus tracks considered and not considered, True Rate: 3.5/5.0. Perhaps overhyped, but I'm happy to let people love the things they love [I mean, I love Starcastle and the site doesn't necessarily haha].