A surprisingly good album (given the circumstances)
A. C. H. Bergh | 09/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm writing this on September 13th, 2001. That's two days after the atrocious attacks on the WTC and Pentagon buildings in New York and Washington.
At the moment, things seem to be relatively calm. But there's this feeling that it might be the calm before the storm...
I'm writing this while Pendragon's "Masquerade" is playing in the background - "I pray the Lord my soul to keep..." - & have to admit that I don't quite know whether this is the best or perhaps worst time to write a review.
What I do know is this: occasionally (not all that often, but occasionally) music manages to transcend the limitations of those listening to it. It's then that the listener hears something which is beyond him/her, which is wondrous if only because of the fact that he/she couldn't possible reproduce it however hard he/she tried. It's then that a certain appreciation with regard to "art" becomes inescapable - when you realise that some-one, somewhere has done something which touches you and which you could never have done yourself. And how precious the possibility of this happening actually is. And how totally incompatible it is with war, terrorism or, indeed, mindless violence in general.
A few months ago, I would, if asked, probably have dismissed Pendragon out of hand as a "pseudo"-progressive rock group, familiar as I was with only their very first albums, like "The Jewel".
But I'm listening to "Masquerade" as I write this, and have been for a few days. And somehow it keeps getting better. It's not immensely original, I suppose, but it is very, very good. There's a simple reason: extraordinarily good compositions, accompanied by well though-out lyrics.
For example - though, just like everyone else, I suppose I'm not thinking very cleary at the moment - the "King of the Castle" lyrics to the chorus of "The Shadow" strike a chord. As does.. well, the album in general suddenly gains in meaning.
Suddenly, progressive rock, if done well - and it's done very well on this album - seems a little more important than it did only a few days ago.
Hopefully, this review will be read by people in the future who will have to think a bit to remember why I'm being a little emotional. For these blessed souls, I can be brief: "Masquerade" - in spite of various derivations (allusions to David Gilmour, and, indeed, T'Pau!) - is overal an extremely fine and powerful album. Yes, it is, as far as I know, by far Pendragon's best achievement to date."
It's simply magic
Guylaine Le Ber | St-Hubert, Qc | 07/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love so much the illustrations on most of Pendragon's album covers. I just wish I could own a real painting. It's cheerful, rich and imaginary.It's a kind of metling pot of old prog (Marillion-Pink Floyd-Yes)sang by the delicate voice of Nick Barrett. Lyrics will send you right away in a magical old world.The most powerful lyric moment on this album is on "Master of illusion" when he says "take my hand one last time, hold it so close to your faint heart". Sounds like Emile Zola writter of "Une page d'amour" the most wonderful book I ever read.Music is gentle even if there is complex guitar riffs. Every instrument has a big role to play and leaves enough space to other instruments.Not a fade minute on this album."
The best Pendragon Album
David Lloyd | Grand Junction, CO | 02/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my first review of any album. At the time of the "prog rock revival" back in the early 80's this was a local band that "jumped on the band wagon". I owned the Fly High Fall Far, Jewel and World Albums. I also saw them live twice. Get the Jewel - its excellent. But after that the prog thing died down and so I though had Pendragon. Then I got a CD player and found this album 2nd hand. It reintroduced me to Pendragon but as an album on its own its simply brilliant. Right from the choral beginning to the fading out at the end I love it. Paintbox to me is very emotive and Guardian of My Soul is excellent. But for me, the masterpiece on theis album is the Shadow. It changes pace, key, atmosphere almost at the drop of a hat but every time I listen to itsends shivers all over. Do yourself a favour and buy this album."
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1