Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography

A SORROW IN OUR HEARTS

US

Neo-Prog


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

US A Sorrow In Our Hearts album cover
3.76 | 25 ratings | 3 reviews | 12% 5 stars

Excellent addition to any
prog rock music collection

Write a review

Buy US Music
from Progarchives.com partners
Studio Album, released in 2002

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Rollercoaster (9:05)
2. The Acid Dream (11:58)
3. Dog (10:22)
4. Forever Yours (5:56)
5. A Sorrow In Our Hearts (9:41)
6. Passport To Magonia (12:38)

Total Time 59:40

Line-up / Musicians

- Peter De Frankrijker / guitars, vocals
- Ernest Wernars / keyboards, vocals
- Jos Wernars / bass, vocals, guitars
- Paul Van Velzen / drums, vocals

Releases information

CD Self-released (2002, Netherlands)

Thanks to Windhawk for the addition
and to Quinino for the last updates
Edit this entry

Buy US A Sorrow In Our Hearts Music



US A Sorrow In Our Hearts ratings distribution


3.76
(25 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(12%)
12%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(32%)
32%
Good, but non-essential (44%)
44%
Collectors/fans only (8%)
8%
Poor. Only for completionists (4%)
4%

US A Sorrow In Our Hearts reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by apps79
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Continuing the tradition of some very good Neo Progressive rock bands from Holland,US' history dates back in 1975,intially starting as a trio covering songs of many rock bands of the time,before renaming themselves to Saga,concentrating on composing original material.Saga released the rare collectors' Symphonic Rock item ''To whom it concerns'' in 1979 and disbanded a few years later.However,after years of silence,the three founding members joined each other along with guitarist Peter de Frankrijker to reform US and produce their comeback/debut ''A sorrow in our hearts'' in 2002.

STYLE: The album contains not even a trace of sorrow!This is atmosheric,pleasant and greatly arranged modern Symphonic Rock.The majority of the compositions clocks at over 9 minutes,blending beautifully acoustic passages with energetic yet melodic musicianship full of synthesizer flights,heavy organ runs and catchy guitars.I would dare to say that US sound more than British than the British!The album is dominated by a haunting symphonicism, despite the production,distorted guitars and vocals makes it sounds a bit neo.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: The whole spectrum of late-70's/early 80's symphonic movement of U.K. with compatriots EGDON HEATH being the closiest comparison along with mid-70's GENESIS,IQ and PALLAS.

PLUS: So many plus for this overlooked band,like the excellent,clear and sweet vocals,the absolutely satisfying melodies coming out of Frankrijker's guitars (Hackett influence is obvious),the amazing bass playing of Jos Wernars,the professional and grandiose keyboard passages of his brother Ernest and the romantic acoustic parts of the album. Compositionally the bands stands easily next to the big names of the prog league,with something going on all the time without never forgetting the melodic approach.Tempos and atmospheres alternate constantly.Great production as well.

MINUS: Too British sounding,making originality an unknown word for US.Parts of the album could be tracks in a late-70's GENESIS album or of any band of the new wave of British prog movement.

WILL APPEAL TO: Both neo and sympho-maniacs,as well as to listeners of melodic prog.The album covers influences from both the vintage and contemporary symphonic age.

CONCLUSION/RATING: Excellent debut,which surprised me from the first moment.US are way better than many bands of the Neo/Symph movement,who have been much more promoted.Give them a chance,possibilities of regreting it tend to zero!4 solid stars.

Latest members reviews

5 stars Excellent debut albun of this Dutch band! In the Sorrow in Your Heart" the band US., already in the first track "Rollercoaster" (a musical piece with opening and main theme in the mold of PALLAS, IQ, RUSH "filled" with more calm moments in MOODY BLUES , PINK FLOYD, GENESIS vein) announces the ... (read more)

Report this review (#298871) | Posted by maryes | Sunday, September 12, 2010 | Review Permanlink

3 stars For some reasons, my first impression of this album was it had a lot of Al Stewart vibes in it. That's during the first two songs. Then it turns more inland again through the valleys of Pallas, Pendragon and Genesis. This is the debut album by this Dutch band. They played together since 1975 ... (read more)

Report this review (#297859) | Posted by toroddfuglesteg | Tuesday, September 7, 2010 | Review Permanlink

Post a review of US "A Sorrow In Our Hearts"

You must be a forum member to post a review, please register here if you are not.

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.