THE TURBULENT ZONE

See my review on Disturbance as this sounded to me as a carbon copy of that album therefore making this one even more purpose-less. The main f;aw I can think of is that all of those songs sound all the same and therefore are interchangeable . I like the sound of the band enough to start listening but I soon get lost by the the sheer content and quality of the music : it just fails to catch my attention very long and the piano makes nothing easier as it is so present on every tune.

VERSUS X new album "The Turbulent Zone" contains only four tracks, but three of them are +13 minutes long. Although the length of the songs they are managing to keep it interesting throughout the entire album.

VERSUS X comes from Germany. Their music is a blend of VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, GENESIS and KING CRIMSON, but there are also influences from many of the other big progressive bands such as King PINK FLOYD, SPOCK'S BEARD and YES. The result is a complex progressive rock with lengthy instrumental passages and many mood and tempo changes. The bass player Jörg Fischer is a magnificent musician and so is the rest of the band.

This is a magnificent album with many highlights. Recommended!

At least in terms of style little had changed here compared to their previous effort, now there's one track more listed and running times are between 6 1/2 and almost 22 min. The Schäfer/Nahm duo has been now supported by the new rhythm section Jörg Fischer and Uwe Völlmar which works slightly more efficient than the previous one I have the impression. The lyrics are still telling rather interesting stories one can find notes about on their website. Musicianship is flawless and the moderately complex compositions are an enjoyable listen. There's little apparent difference in quality compared to 'Disturbance' and I just say once again that fans of epic Prog should check out this band. Listen to the samples provided on their website and if you like what you hear start with any of the two albums. If you still like their style you might get the other as well. Not an essential one but certainly a very good work (***1/2 really)!!

Their previous album "Disturbance" simply pushed all the right buttons for me, and while this is in the same sort of style it's not clicking with me at all. Most prefer this album to "Disturbance" though, so I guess i'm in the minority once again.

"Cutting The Veil" has a good powerful intro of synths, drums and bass. It settles with piano then vocals. A calm with piano before 4 minutes. Reserved vocals are back then it picks up as the tempo continues to change.The focus is on the vocals but there are some long instrumental passages in this almost 22 minute opener. "Between The Phases Of The Night" opens with piano,bass and drums then the vocals arrive as it settles. It's building 3 1/2 minutes in as the guitar joins in.The tempo picks up too then it all levels back.

"Strange Attractor" is melancholic to start and reserved vocals and piano join in.This is tough going unfortunately. It's better when the tempo picks up. It's heavier after 3 minutes. Sampled mellotron after 5 minutes too. It settles back with almost spoken vocals before 7 minutes. Not a fan. It builds again as themes are repeated. "The Hostile Sea" is led by piano early as vocals join in. Drums and relaxed guitar follow before 2 minutes.The tempo picks up a minute later. It settles back as the song continues to shift gears. Great sound 12 minutes in with mellotron, guitar and drums.

So overall a pretty good 3 star album.

Third album from their catalogue named The turbulent zone issued in 2000 at same Musea is almost in same league with previous one. Again the musicianship and performance, overall sounding is excellent and to me is a very good one in every aspect. Opening with a very leghthy pieces Cutting The Veil very much sounding and aswell in manner of composing with previous 3 pieces from Disturbance, is avery solid and full of captivating moments for sure, the keybords, drums and bass are awesome here, at least for me. The rest of 3 pieces of the album are aswell great, no weak moments here, complex , elaborated eclectic prog. Versus X I see doesn't have many fans, but I think this band needs attention, specialy for the instrumental arrangements and passages offered, who I found them very enjoyble and tight. I like a lot this band, specialy previous album who was a killer one IMO, this one is quite near. 4 stars again without hesitation.