(Review from progressiveworld.net, progarchives.com)

They say that life doesn’t offer you second chances, but in one of the most surprising moves ever pulled by a progressive rock band, Kayak make good on some unfulfilled promises. A full 22 years after botching their first attempt at Merlin, the band takes a second shot at it.

This album builds on the five earlier tracks (Merlin, Tintagel, The Sword In The Stone, The King’s Enchanter and Niniane (Lady Of The Lake)) with eight newly composed tracks that fit in seamlessly to create a good neo-progressive rock opera. “Merlin” is re-invented and re-arranged.

As in true Ayreon fashion, the Merlin saga this time is based on no fewer than five main characters. Merlin and Lancelot are taken care of by singer Bert Heerink. Morgan Lefay and Guinevere are the task for Cindy Oudshoorn, whilst Rob Vunderink takes care of Mordred. Recorded with the New Philharmonic Orchestra, needless to say Scherpenzeel’s fantastic arrangements are finally exploited to the fullest, resulting in a breathtaking album.

The album has kind of a musical feel. For sure this entire Merlin saga would be ideal for being performed as a musical because the subject ideally suited to being given the full treatment including costumes, backdrops, props, lighting –the works!

With “Merlin – Bard Of The Unseen”, Ton Scherpenzeel has finally realised his all-time dream. By using a real orchestra and some outstanding vocalists he has turned his Merlin into something of outstanding quality and emotion.

Line-up:
- Ton Scherpenzeel / keyboards, backing vocals
- Pim Koopman / drums, backing vocals
- Bert Heerink / lead & backing vocals
- Rob Vunderink / guitars, lead & backing vocals
- Bert Veldkamp / bass guitar
- Joost Vergoossen / electric & acoustic guitars
- Cindy Oudshoorn / lead & backing vocals

Track List:
01. Merlin – 7:51
02. Tintagel – 2:50
03. The Future King – 3:00
04. The Sword In The Stone – 3:44
05. When The Seer Looks Away – 4:18
06. Branded – 3:52
07. At Arthur’s Court – 3:17
08. The Otherworld – 7:59
09. The Purest Of Knights – 5:49
10. Friendship And Love – 5:13
11. The King’s Enchanter – 2:33
12. Niniane (Lady Of The Lake) – 7:08
13. The Last Battle – 8:11
14. Avalon – 3:44

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