(Review from progarchives.com)

Emerson, Lake & Palmer heads into uncharted territory on “Tarkus”, pushing the limits of music that a trio might aspire to. One gets the sense that Emerson, Lake & Palmer approached “Tarkus” as their magnum opus (until the next magnum opus, anyway), and it’s this spirit of elevated creativity that fuels “Tarkus”.

The side-long “Tarkus” starts with a clear beginning, in the spirit of creation with a single sound that soon explodes into life, and from there the band fuses Emerson’s instrumental passages (often held together by improvisation) with Lake’s songs (not far removed from his work with King Crimson). The arrangements themselves are at best bone and sinew, Emerson’s piano providing the color against Palmer’s superlative, dry drumming and Lake’s incidental bass lines. When the band does reach sublime heights, it’s often on the strength of Lake’s stalwart voice, resolute in a maelstrom of sound. Note that the inner gatefold features what purports to be a visual interpretation of the “Tarkus” story; if you can make heads or tails out of it, let me know.

The second side seeks to defuse the pomposity of the previous saga with the irreverent “Jeremy Bender”, to be savored as a cherished oddity. “Bitches Crystal” returns to the haunting grounds of side one, and remains a favorite among fans. What follows next is a miniature epic: “The Only Way” (which questions God) and the instrumental “Infinite Space”, which follows a more structured and restrained path than the explosive moments around it (they would revisit this style on songs like “Jerusalem”, perhaps the remnant of some fiery country parson still in their blood). The wonderful “A Time And A Place” (file under epic) and “Are You Ready Eddy?” (which immortalizes engineer Eddy Offord) close the album, every ounce of energy drained.

By turns funny, profound and profane, “Tarkus” marks the arrival of greatness in the annals of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Line-up:
- Keith Emerson / Hammond organ, St. Marks church organ, piano, celeste, Moog synthesizer
- Greg Lake / vocals, bass, electric & acoustic guitar
- Carl Palmer / drums, assorted percussion

Track List:
01. Tarkus
02. Jeremy Bender
03. Bitches Crystal
04. The Only Way (Hymn)
05. Infinite Space (Conclusion)
06. A Time And A Place
07. Are You Ready Eddy?

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