A progressive rock masterpiece that really rocks
Gordon Hundley | Thorndale, PA USA | 03/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pallas are a Scottish progressive rock band who are typically labeled as "neo prog". They've always been a difficult fit, as they have strong progressive rock influences as well as heavy and melodic rock leanings. Pallas tend therefore to be somewhat on the rock side of progressive rock. With a history that has spanned over a quarter of a century, they have consistantly been one of the best live acts in the British progressive rock field. Their broad scope as well some unfortunate treatment by former record companies has left a number of their priot albums somewhat patchy.
Having pretty much given up on the music industry in the late 80s, the band found that there was a strong interest in their music online, and that the Internet gave them a viable avenue to connect with their fans. In the late 90s they came back in impressive form, releasing Beat The Drum, which kicked their prior recordings into touch at least in terms of overall composition and performance, if not consistancy. They followed up with Cross and the Crucible, which was something of a rough diamond. This release see Pallas developing their sound to a new level and entirely eclipsing their back catalogue.
The album opens strongly with The Bringer of Dreams. A delicate and haunting synth opening seduces the listener, the guitar builds on the melancholia, strings build tension, and the rhythm section explodes into the song. Its complex and sinister, as befits the lyrics. Warriors follows, a charged and emotional piece that deals with fanatical suicidal terriorists. Next up is Ghostdancers which opens with lovely violin and a great vocal. This is a great song, and it steps the album up a notch. What follows it is wonderful. Too Close To The Sun is a stunning progressive number, a complex and majestic piece performed largely in 11/8 time but with clever changes. Not only is the music inspired, but the vocals here are really good stuff. The first time you listen to this album through, you're sure that this is going to be the pinnacle. It's not.
Messiah is something of a rock song, though a well paced, and entertaining number. The guitar shredding is spectacular, and there's some nice backing vocals towards the end which changes things up nicely. A touching instrumental interlude in the form of Northern Star sets the stage for Mr. Wolfe, a raucous and dynamic number that mixes heavy synth stabs and some really fun bass and drum interplay. Another big step up for Invincible, a wonderful number about the nanny state, this is big sounding track, with lots of lush guitar, sinister bass lines, a real progression of tempo, and an anthemic refrain.
Which brings us to the last track on the album proper. Probably the best song Pallas have ever recorded. This is a lovely vocal number - starting off with one of the most dramatic vocals I've heard Alan Reed sing. The instruments are wonderfully arranged and placed - its not just a great track, its a remarkable production performance. The final section with the operatic vocals of Pandy Arthur is stunning. The song will melt the coldest heart.
Overall, this is a compelling album that makes you want to repeatedly listen to the whole thing through. In an age when even progressive rock albums are regularly dissected and individual tracks played on iPods, this is a rare and pleasant thing. There are some tracks that stand taller than others, but its a complete work without any real filler. The bonus disk contains some alternate mixes which are of interest, some studio out-takes, and a great version of Fragments of the Sun, one of the strongest tracks from Beat The Drum. Especially welcome in this version is the wonderful booklet. The artwork makes it a fine edition.
This album easily earns its five stars, and is not only my favorite Pallas album, but my favorite album of 2005, a year that saw some very significant releases."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1