DEATH'S CROWN

An amazing example of a true rock symphony and an extraordinary release, this opus has been lovingly preserved by the band and shared with us by the beautiful people at Cuneiform. Sure, the sound is substandard but the initial recording is rather good and considering its previously unreleased - and still little known - status, it is a real find. The main track 'Death's Crown' is presented in eleven parts; 38 minutes of some of the most stunningly good symphonic rock from an American band you will ever hear. The piece is not perfect, they hadn't quite worked out all the kinks and connections before the project was shelved but considering both its musical accomplishments for the time and its unearthed importance, these things are easily overlooked. The record tops off with two excellent tracks, 'New York Dreams Suite' and 'Merlin of the High Places' and I believe deserves a very high rating.