TALES FROM AN ANCIENT REALM

A German Prog band from Rheinland-Pfalz, producing Progressive Rock since early-90's.They seem to be led by keyboardist Claus Peter Fuhrmann and guitarist Matthias Ibelshäuser, always with support by female singers.In 1994 they released the 4-track demo ''The Art Of Development'', followed in 1997 by the private-released live CD ''Tales From An Ancient Realm''.By the time the line-up included also singers Melanie Auer and Anja Schmitt, bassist Hans Kühn and drummer Michael Reinhard.

This is actually a very decent production with a nice sound overall, showing a band performing some sort of elaborate Progressive Rock with emphasis on atmosphere and melody, not unlike the path taken by MAGENTA, SOLSTICE or MOSTLY AUTUMN.The compositions are mostly well-written, though far from trully original, with plenty of changing climates and a duo of female singers having crystalline voices and a certain Folk vibe on their vocal tunes.Keyboard and guitar work are both fine with series of soft interplays, great grooves, light symphonic soundscapes and a decent amount of energy.There is also a decent dose of acoustic-driven passages with an even deeper Folk atmosphere throughout along with dreamy female vocal lines, while Esthetic Pale seem to keep a fine balance between melodic and more intricate musicianship.Of course not all tracks stand at the same level with a few being not particularly conveincing, but the final feeling is definitely positive.

Melodic Progressive Rock with touches of Neo Prog, Folk Rock and calm Symphonic Rock is the proposal of Esthetic Pale on this rare-to-find album and if you come by a copy and/or you are a fan of female-fronted modern prog bands, ''Tales From An Ancient Realm'' deserves a place in your collection.Warmly recommended.