THE BRIDGE OF LIGHT

Quite impressive this new album by brazilian prog veterans of Apocalypse. It was recorded live in concert, but it contains only original material (a concept album that more or less tell the tale of Jesus, if I´m not mistaken). And I must say it quite took me by surprise since Apocalypse´s earlier works were always promising and good, but somehow missing some boldness and creativeness on the writing and arrangement department. Well, now the promised is fulfilled.

The band finally came up with an album that really shows all their prowness and capacity worked to its full potential. Eloy Fritsch delivers some of the most delightful keyboards attacks in a long, long time. His playing is rich of timbres and colours, mostly evoking 70´s influences, like analog synths and Hammond organs. His brother Ruy also does a great job on the guitar with some short, emotional and strong solos and riffings. The rhythm section is a show apart with Magoo Wise doing some fine bass runs and the creative drummer Chico Fasoli is on his top form here. Singer Gustavo Demarchi proves once again the band had found a truly original and impressive vocalist. His flute playing is also of note, with some ressemblence of Jethro Tull´s Ian Anderson and This Van Leer (Focus).

The arrangements are maybe the most surprising part of the whole album: the band really cooked and they put their full array of influences to their favor. There are echoes of Yes, early Marillion, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Uriah heep, some Beatles, blues rock, jazz and brazilian popular music all around. The CD is quite varied (even thought the strong Marillion hints on the first three tracks are a bit misleading) and it´s hard to believe it was recorded live. Even the backing vocals are very well done and add an extra charm to some tracks. There are no fillers anywhere and the production is simply brilliant. The guest violin player gives some extra prog touches here and there. I hope they use this instrument more often in the future.

Conclusion: the best Apocalypse album so far and a strong candidate of best prog album of 2009. The band surpassed my highest expectations. Highly recommended to any prog fan. Time will tell if The Bridge Of Light is going to be essential or a masterpiece, but it surely deserves a 4,5 star rating at least. Well done, guys! I knew you could make it!