MYTHS & LEGENDS

Two of the Osiris members participating on their debut,keyboardist Samil Al-Jamea and bassist/guitarist Mohammed Amin Kooheji,decided to part ways with the band in order to focus on their studies.They were replaced by Debbie Moss and Khalid Almutawa respectively and the Osiris,back as a seven-piece team,moved on to the second album.''Myths and legends'' was released in 1984 and the Musea CD-reissue is an excellent chance to listen to it.

Osiris did not change their style a bit.With its highly-educated members, and despite being in the mid-80's,the band insisted on producing professional Progressive Rock with an evident CAMEL-esque edge both on guitars and keyboards,but also a light IQ reference on the flashy synthesizers.Rooted strongly in the 70's,their compositions are characterized by the intricate climates,the amazing guitar exercises and the delicate dual keyboards,from the delicate smooth electric piano to the vintage sounds of the mini-moog and the modern synth technology.Rich textures with dramatic instrumental passages,shifting changes,jazzy interludes,symphonic arrangements and a strong amount of magnificent breaks.Additionally the album trully rocks at moments,with Osiris indicating their dedication primarly to Rock music.Vocals are not of first class,however they work well in the whole.

These are the true masters of Arabic prog,way beyond their time,considering the conditions existing in Bahrain and the fellow countries around.Classic Progressive Rock of the highest calibre,not very original,but definitely better than most of the Western Classic Prog clones.Highly recommended.