Search - Atomic Rooster :: Heavy Soul: The Anthology (Best Of)

Often overlooked British prog metal band

J. Talsma | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 06/11/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Warning: the songs mentioned here don't appear on the Anthology 2-CD but on "Heavy Soul", also a 2-CD compilation of Atomic Rooster but altogether another one! Being originally a progrocktrio formed at the end of the sixties by Vincent Crane (organ/vocals) and Carl Palmer (on drums) of later E.L.P. fame, this band developed several musical styles but alas not to a big degree. They had ample success with only a few songs. The bandleader was desperataly looking for a perfect band and sound, meanwhile suffering from life itself. Therefore the band was never coherent and consisted of many musicians, being a trio, quartet and even quintet. This album however was made in the beginning of the eighties and saw the return of earlier members, guitarst/songwriter John du Cann and drummer Paul Hammond, who was followed up by another P.H.: Preston Heyman, on some songs on bass assisted by Jonh McCoy. From the musical point I have to disagree with earlier viewers who gave a 1 star view, because to me this music is pretty good. Lifting on the the British rock boom they beefed up their sound, cranked up their instruments and amplifiers and came with some solid old and new songs, leaning more towards metal than progrock, in this

collection. There are a few reworks of already existing songs (i.e. "Devils' Answer", "Death Walks Behind You". "Tomorrow Night" and "Sleeping For Years") which are of the same quality of the originals. Furthermore there are plenty of new songs (2 of which in 2 settings, like "End Of The Day" and "Lose Your Mind") and even 5 songs which have never appeared before on any album. Crane and du Cann, whether together or seperate, prove that they were able to write fine rocksongs with a strong melody. Crane was a wellschooled keyboardsman and Du Cann a very good guitarplayer. Although most of the time without a bassplayer you hardly notice this. Anyway, to me they deserve a far better place in musical history and not only that, because a quarter of a century later I still enjoy this fine collection of songs. Nothing to be shamed for."

Atomic Rooster - 'Anthology' (Castle)

Mike Reed | USA | 02/13/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Reason I've EVEN giving this 2-CD / 25 (not 30) track anthology a two-star rating is for the low asking price. Problem is this posting's track listing is wrong, so EITHER another label released a compilation 2-CD with the SAME exact cover and / or title OR this posting's listing of the songs is a mistake. Either way, this one is strictly for the completists."