NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN

More overrated Ameri-prog. Yes, there's Moogs and Mellotrons galore, but that's really all this has going for it. Unlike a lot of bands that plunder from one or two famous British bands exclusively, they seem to snag a little bit from as many as they can: a smidgen of Yes here, a daub of Genesis there, a dash of Jethro Tull, a pinch of ELP, a wee dram of Van der Graaf Generator (the main theme from "Darkness 11/11" turning up clear as a bell on "Les Cathedrales". Add a heavy dose of 70's cheese (the kitschy classical quotes, the strident "ah ah" vocals on the long title suite, the corny fantasy/medieval lyrics) and you're left with an album you're embarrassed to let your friends know you listen to. Extra demerits for the back cover, with the band in SCA outfits, probably the most stereotypical prog band photo ever (well, up until the dominance of cheesy fantasy-metal acts like Rhapsody, anyway).