VIRTUAL SUN

This time, the line up has changed again. Marc Ysaye, a founding member joined his old "Machiavel" friends (Roland - another founding member - as well as Mario - who is doing the vocals since "Jester" in 77).

The band was keyboard less since the average "New Lines" and for this album, Hervé Borbé (ex- Now which was a good Belgian prog band of the late eighties/ early nineties) has joined. He is a very talented artist (painter and designer as well). He is still with the band today (2008).

"Machiavel" is somewhat similar to a chameleon, adapting itself according the mood of the moment. This time, the atmosphere is dramatically more on the hard edge (but this was already noticeable on "New Lines").

IMO, the best here are the vocals. Mario is doing an excellent work all the way through. Emotional during the good crescendo "Something" (one of my fave from this album).

On the soft side, the pleasant ballad "It's A Dream Again" features some interesting guitar work from Thierry (also the case in the previous song BTW). While Mario shows all his power during the heavy "Down On My Knees" (still played frequently during their live sets). Extremely far from "Mechanical Moonbeams" but interesting.

One understands why the band changed from vocalist after their first album. One can hear Marc Ysaye holding back the vocals during "Dirty Hands" and "Mary's Dream". Definitely not the best of this album. Nor the syrupy "All Around The World". Press nextT.

Actually, the best moments are the most rocking ones. In this respect, "The Rumour" is seriously wild and rhythmic. Thierry is displaying some excellent guitar again. I like the sharp riff very much, and for almost the first time one can finally Hervé in a good synth part. Another one of the good songs from this album.

Another interesting one is "Forget Your Hate". Excellent rhythm changes, groovy mood and pleasant melody. At the end of the day, this album has some very pleasant moments and is definitely the best "Machiavel" album since ages (1979).

The long and closing "Running in the Desert Again" being now a typical "Machiavel" number. Somewhat Led Zep (but is this a surprise?) oriented, with a great Mario doing really a superb job on this album.

Three stars (upgraded from a five out of ten).