Excellent return to their classic sound
Zeus Pendragon | 02/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Two years after Destination Eloy Returns Forever. The Tides Return Forever marks Eloy comeback to its classic musical spirit. Klaus Peter Matziol is now a permanent member again and it pays off big time.
The overall sound is very Eloy-ish but more contemporary. The Day of Crimson Skies features some really nice synth work by Gerlach and some good guitar work by Frank. Though the structure is quite simple it still keeps the classic Eloy atmpsphere.
Fatal Illusions starts off in typical Eloy fashion: atmospheric and mystic before the band kicks in in a very spacey section. Then the band starts the real song with Klaus bassplying taking the leading role. There is a nice mellow middle section before the band kicks in again with an excellent guitar/synth solo.
Childhood Memories is a beautiful song. it starts off with just percussion and guitar and keyboards build up a really pensive and melancholic atmosphere. Lyrics are very poetic (dedicated to Frank's mother) and there is a lovely synth solo at the end, though it's a pity it fades away rather quick.
Generation of Innocence is a heavy track. The main riff is very heavy indeed though vocals are quiet mellow and Gerlach's synth gives it a symphonic feel. There is a beautiful guitar solo and some outstanding synth soloing towards the end.
The Tides Return Forever is mainly acoustic and it is one of the most beautiful songs by Eloy ever. It's quite dark, not in terms of depressing but in terms of atmosphere. A particularly evocative song with a female chorus in the middle section that is really awesome. The woman that sings the main vocal line has such an incredible voice it really sends shivers down my spine, what beauty and intensity!!!
The Last in Line is the more poppy song in this album. There is a lot going on here, especially regarding synths, vocals, drums and lyrical content.
Last track Company of Angels is the pinnacle of the record along with The Tides Return Forever. It features a great chorus melody, some inspiring synth work, very good guitar solos, incredible bassplaying and solid drum work. It's a song dedicated to Jeanne d'Arc and it lives up to the expectations as the epic and symphonic atmosphere really shines in every second of the song.
To sum up, a must for any Eloy fan. One of their best albums in years and one that sees Eloy creating those classical eternal and infinite atmospheres. This album can be perfectly compared to Planets, Time to Turn, Colours, Performance or Metromania. It even exceeds the last two in many places.
What I don't like: Too short!!! just 47 minutes long and that Klaus Peter Matziol bass is not up front enough in the mix, a mistake that they would not make again in Ocean 2, fortunately."
Another great album from Eloy
BENJAMIN MILER | Veneta, Oregon | 02/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When Eloy released Ra back in 1988, not everyone took too kindly to the album, many didn't like the drum machines and digital synthesizers. Some probably felt it should have been released as a Frank Bornemann/Michael Gerlach album, as the album was basically them with host of (to me) unknown musicians. Destination came next, four years later. Many fans tend to like that one even less. I am familiar with neither of them, so I can't make a comment there. I am really surprised with The Tides Return Forever. Certainly there's a rather modern sound and production, but Michael Gerlach decided to cut back on the digital synths and go for analog (the CD stated it was recorded with analog vintage keys, and I'm certain I'm hearing a Minimoog, although he still uses digital gear), which is a wise decision. I hear elements of Ocean, Silent Cries and Mighty Echoes, and perhaps some of their '80s albums like Planets or Time to Turn. "Fatal Illusion" reminds me of a more modern Silent Cries and Mighty Echoes, the guitar introduction certainly reminds me of "Astral Entrance" (although you have to bear in mind "Astral Entrance" sounded so much like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" one might get easily fooled for lost Wish You Were Here sessions). The music picks up, and Michael Gerlach gives some great analog synth leads. It's nice to hear an album with a modern production but not forgetting the past. Frank Bornemann sounds like himself, which is certainly a relief to those who disliked how he sang on Destination. "Childhood Memories" is in dedication to Frank's mother. It's a rather mellow piece, and there's some nice synths at the end. The title track is also laid-back with a more somber mood. "Company of Angels" features lots of choir, with lyrics that seem to have a religious theme (wrath of God type of lyrics). At first I really felt the choir was rather cheesy, but I got used to it, then I was really surprised with the synth passage that bears more than a striking resemblance to Genesis.
I nearly forgot, Klaus-Peter Matziol is back on the album, which is always a welcome addition.
Knowing the reactions Ra and Destination received, I was really amazed with The Tides Return Forever. It certainly comes highly recommended by me."
A True Progressive Rock Masterpiece
Fred Bear | UK | 10/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many people consider Eloy's 70s albums to be their best & having been a fan of theirs for over 25 years, the only album I really have a problem listening to is their very first one which is somewhat psychedelic and experimental.
"The Tides Return Forever" was a 90s release & is probably my overall favourite recording of theirs. The only way to describe this album, brash & bombastic progressive rock like many of their other albums, is just "majestic beauty" - fantastic guitar and synths, lots of female choral vocals.
The album's highlight in unquestionably the title track - a moody but very beautiful piece of music that has actually managed to bring tears to my eyes &, without wishing to sound overly morbid, will definitely be played at my funeral (which I hope is not for a few years yet!)
If you enjoy the music of Yes and/or Pink Floyd, you WILL enjoy this album. If Eloy have any weaknesses, then sometimes Frank Bornemann's vocals can be lost within the multi-layered, sweeping instrumentations & he does sing the English lyrics with a heavy German accent - but to me, Frank's singing has always been a trait that helps distinguish Eloy as a bit different from anyone else, no different to Jon Anderson in Yes.
Buy it, play it loud & maybe prepare to shed a tear or two..."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1