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Posts tagged Edward Reekers
Ayreon – Actual Fantasy Revisited (2004) (@256)
26 Jul 2010
(Review from amazon)
“Actual Fantasy Revisited” is the (mostly) re-recorded version of Ayreon’s 1996 release Actual Fantasy. Released after the highly successful rock opera debut, The Final Experiment, mastermind Arjen Lucassen decided to surprise his fans with a more electronic-based album consisting of fewer singers and a loosely connected lyrical theme. To give the album a more electronic feel and digital atmosphere, Lucassen used a drum machine. Lucassen always wondered how it would sound if he used a real drummer and another bass player. Which he realized eight years after the original release. Enter drummer Ed Warby and bassist Peter Vink. Most of the guitars were re-recorded, some from scratch, the synth solos were changed, and even the programmed flute was replaced by the real instrument.
If you’ve heard the original version, be prepared to be blown away by the excellently crisp production. Each instrument is audible and perfectly mixed. The re-recorded guitars and synths are a lot better and more interesting. The result is definitely a more powerful, more fresh, more crisp, and more alive.
Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / guitars, keyboards, additional noises
- Peter Vink / bass guitar
- Ed Warby / drums
- Ewa Alberink / flute
- Robert Soeterboek / vocals
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Okkie Huysdens / vocals
- Cleem Determeyer / synthesizers solos
- Rene Merkelbach / Hammond, synthesizers solos
Track List:
01. Actual Fantasy – 1:45
02. Abbey Of Synn – 9:20
03. The Stranger From Within – 7:34
04. Computer Eyes – 7:17
05. Beyond The Last Horizon – 7:16
06. Farside Of The World – 6:31
07. Back On Planet Earth – 7:05
08. Forevermore – 7:35
09. The Dawn Of Man – 7:39
Link in comments.
Star One – Live On Earth (2003) (@256)
24 Jul 2010
(Review from metal-archives.com, progarchives.com)
After the release of “Space Metal”, most of the cast of “Star One” went on the Intergalactic Space Crusader Tour 2002. ”Live On Earth” was recorded during the tour’s last gig in Rijssen, The Netherlands. The recording and sonics are superbly rendered and brilliantly representative of the studio recording.
“Live On Earth” draws it’s set list from both Star One and Ayreon albums. All of Ayreon albums are at least represented with one song. Star One being the reason for the tour is also quite well represented.
Anyone who is familiar with Ayreon’s material can well imagine the complexity entailed in bringing most of the material live in a form that would do justice to the studio version. First being the presence of multiple vocalists. Luckily 2 out of 3 male vocalist present in the Star One studio album are present, Russell Allen and Damian Wilson. Robert Soeterbek fills and sings Dan Swano vocal parts on the Star One material. There is no let down due to the change, Soeterbek sings with energy and passion.
The star of the show is without a doubt the vocal performance of Russell Allen. He seems that have grown in leaps and bounds since his last recorded live outing on Symphony X’s Live on the Edge of Forever (which itself was excellent). On Star One he displays more power and a smoother delivery than he did on Live on the Edge of Forever. Indicating perhaps a better mastery of live vocal techniques.
Speaking of vocalists we are introduced to Irene Jansen sister of After Forever’s Floor Jansen. Both sisters perform as back up singers throughout the set and do a fantastic job adding harmonious layers to the songs. As a coming party Irene delivers a knock out solo performance on the haunting Valley of the Queens.
The backing band is extremely solid and delivers a precise performance, that’s quite the compliment considering the complexity of some of the Ayreon material.
Highlights include “Dreamtime” and “Valley Of The Queens”, the lively “Set Your Controls”, the synth-heavy “Into the Black Hole” and the grandiose “Eye Of Ra” to name just a few.
Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / guitars
- Joost van den Broek / keyboards
- Peter Vink / bass
- Ed Warby / drums
- Russell Allen / vocals
- Damian Wilson / vocals
- Floor Jansen / vocals
- Irene Jansen / vocals
- Robert Soeterboek / vocals
with
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Ewa Albering / flute
Track List:
CD1
01. Lift Off – 1:34
02. Set Your Controls – 6:19
03. High Moon – 5:28
04. Dreamtime – 2:58
05. Eyes Of Time – 3:49
06. Songs Of The Ocean – 5:59
07. Dawn Of A Million Souls – 5:17
08. The Dream Sequencer – 6:03
09. Into The Black Hole – 11:27
10. Actual Fantasy – 1:28
11. Valley Of The Queens – 3:22
CD2
01. Isis And Osiris – 8:48
02. Amazing Flight In Space – 8:00
03. Intergalactic Space Crusaders – 5:15
04. Castle Hall – 4:57
05. The Eye Of Ra – 9:16
06. Starchild – 9:21
07. The Two Gates – 14:34
Link in comments.
Ayreon – Ayreonauts Only (Compilation 2000) (@256)
21 Jul 2010
(Review from wikipedia, amazon, progvisions.net)
As the title suggests, it is an album made primarily for fans of Ayreon, and contains demos and alternate versions of Ayreon songs.
Every previous Ayreon studio album is represented. There are three tracks from Ayreon’s debut album, “Final Experiment”, one from “Actual Fantasy”, one from “Into the Electric Castle”, one from “The Dream Sequencer” and four from “Flight of the Migrator”.
The first alternate version is “Into the black hole” sung by Damian Wilson and Lana Lane instead of Bruce Dickinson, who this time gives chorus only. Robert Soeterboek is the one in charge of doing vocals in “To the Solar System”, giving a more bluesy and hard rock feel.
Something similar happens to “Through the Wormhole” sung by Ian Parry in a more “classical” mood. To conclude with the “Migrators”, we find a beautiful acoustic version of “Temple of the Cat” sung by Astrid Van Der Veen, a 14-year old lady.
From “Actual Fantasy” there is only one version of “Beyond the Last Horizon” sung by Gary Hughes (Ten). From “Final Experiment” there are three tracks: “Charm of the Seer” sung by Arjen himself; “Eyes of Time” where Leon Goewie (ex Vengeance) does his best to complicate the song with his voice making a final noisy version. In “Nature’s Dance”, a beautiful acoustic guitar driven track with the voice of Arjen not filtered by Hammond’s Leslie as it was in the original.
We can find the original version of “Chaos” (opening track of “Flight of the Migrator”), originally recorded 9 years ago, now renamed as “Carpe Diem”. A very faithful version to the original but without Ed Warby’s drums.
“Original Hippie’s Amazing Trip” is sung by Mouse who originally had to be the hippie in “Into the Electric Castle” but was replaced by Arjen. With a beautiful Floydian feel the hippie’s character from the album is developed with the help of the good choirs of Anneke Van Giersbergen and Edward Reekers.
The last track is “Cold Metal”, a preview of Ambeon, the new project of Arjen Lucassen with the splendid voice of Astrid van der Veen (from track 5). The “Ambeon” project seeks a more ambient effect to Ayreon music. This track shows a new direction in the career of Arjen, beautiful and rich music with a moderate and pleasant ambient touch.
This is a great offering for Ayreon fans, however if you don’t have any material from this Dutchman, it is always better to pick any of the original works.
Line-up:
- Arjen Anthony Lucassen / vocals (8, 10), all other instruments
with
- Ed Warby / drums (1-3)
- Erik Norlander / keyboards (1, 2)
- Clive Nolan / keyboards (1)
- Gary(eon) Wehrkamp / guitar, synth (3)
- Roland Bakker / hammond (6)
- Robby Valentine / piano (6)
- Stephen van Haestregt / drums (7, 11)
- Ernst van Ee / drums (9)
- Peter Vink / bass (9)
- Cleem Determeijer / hammond, minimoog (9)
- Jolanda Verduijn / bass (11)
- Damian Wilson / vocals (1)
- Lana Lane / vocals (1), back vocals (3)
- Rob Soeterbroek / vocals (2)
- Astrid van der Veen / vocals (5, 11)
- Mouse / vocals (6)
- Anneke van Giersbergen / vocals (6)
- Edward Reekers / vocals (6)
- Gary Hughes / vocals (7)
- Leon Goewie / vocals (9)
- Bruce Dickinson / back vocals (1)
- Fabio Lione / back vocals (3)
- Rob Soeterbroek / back vocals (7)
- Okkie Huysdens / back vocals (7)
- Mirjam van Doorn / back vocals (9)
- Debbie Schreuder / back vocals (9)
- Rene Merkelbach / back vocals (9)
Track List:
01. Into the Black Hole – 10:46
02. Out of the White Hole – 7:12
03. Through the Wormhole – 6:14
04. Carpe Diem – Chaos – 4:15
05. Temple of the Cat – 3:07
06. Original Hippie’s Amazing Trip – 6:38
07. Beyond the Last Horizon – 5:34
08. The Charm of the Seer – 3:30
09. Eyes of Time – 5:10
10. Nature’s Dance – 2:33
11. Ambeon: Cold Metal – 7:10
Link in comments.
Ayreon – Universal Migrator Pt. 1 – Dream Sequencer (2000) (@256)
19 Jul 2010
(Review from progarchives.com)
Released in 2000 as the first of two albums entitled “Universal Migrator”, this set bears the sub-title “Dream Sequencer”. The two sets come from rather different moulds. While part 2 (“Flight of the Migrator”) has a distinctly metal edge to it, this album focuses on lighter, more melodic aspects.
These albums continue a developing science fiction story started on Ayreon’s first album (but bypassed on the second). By now, Earth has been destroyed by a war, the survivors forming a colony on Mars. These innovative people build a “Dream Sequencer”, allowing them to experience once again, their past lives.
The opening “The dream sequencer” is a smooth, Gilmour-esque scene setter, with atmospheric spoken word introducing a lead guitar instrumental. As we merge into “My house on Mars”, the mood remains constrained, with processed lead vocals alternating with a female chorus. The track builds subtly, with horn like synths (as featured on the aforementioned “The final countdown”) conveying the main theme. If you enjoy those opening numbers, you are pretty much guaranteed to be drawn in by the rest of the album. “One small step” for example is a magnificent piece, but could well be “My house on mars, part 2″.
“The shooting company of Captain Frans B. Cocq” is one of the most diverse numbers on the album, dipping into David Bowie territory at one stage, complete with his Cockney style accent. As is Lucassen’s custom, he calls on the services of a diverse range of vocalists and instrumentalists throughout the album. Of these, highlights include the appearance of Lana Lane on a number of tracks, and Clive Nolan adding keyboards to “2084″. The closing “The first man on Earth” features the distinctive voice of Neal Morse, resulting in a song which is a strange crossbreed of Ayreon and Spock’s Beard.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the album is the way Lucassen develops the songs. Time it seems is not an issue here with many of the numbers, while relatively simple in structure, being elaborated into 7 and 8 minute pieces. That is not to imply that they outstay their welcome, the listener’s attention is retained throughout by inventive instrumentation and variations on the themes.
Simply sit back and enjoy and hour or so of highly melodic music performed by masters in their field.
Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, analogue synthesizers, Hammond, Mellotron and additional keyboards, vocals
- Erik Norlander / analogue synthesizers, piano, vocoder, Hammond and additional keyboards
- Rob Snijders / drums
- Clive Nolan / synth solo (3)
- Johan Edlund / vocals (2)
- Floor Jansen / vocals (2)
- Lana Lane – vocals (3, 6), voice (1), back vocals (4, 5)
- Edward Reekers / vocals (4)
- Mouse / vocals (5)
- Jacqueline Govaert / vocals (7)
- Damian Wilson / vocals
- Neal Morse / vocals (10)
- Mark McCrite / back vocals (10)
Track List:
01. The Dream Sequencer – 5:09
02. My house on Mars – 7:48
03. 2084 – 7:41
04. One small step – 8:45
05. The Shooting Company of Captain Frans B. Cocq – 7:57
06. Dragon on the Sea – 7:08
07. Temple of the Cat – 4:10
08. Carried by the Wind – 3:58
09. And the Druids turn to stone – 6:36
10. The first man on Earth – 7:19
11. The Dream Sequencer reprise – 3:38
Link in comments.
Ayreon – Into The Electric Castle (1998) (@256)
18 Jul 2010
(Review from progarchives.com, allmusic)
Into the Electric Castle is a complicated story involving eight individuals who are pulled from out of their timeline and brought together by an entity called Forever of the Stars. They are given the task of finding the Electric Castle and entering it to find out what’s inside. The storyline is actually a lot more complex and covers several levels of concepts.
The historical characters include the Roman played by Edwin Balogh (Omega), the Indian played by Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation), the Barbarian played by Jay van Feggelin (Bodine), the Highlander played by Fish (Marillion), the Egyptian played by Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gathering), the Hippie played by Anthony Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon’s creator), the Futureman played by Edward Reekers (Kayak), and the Knight played by Damian Wilson (Threshold, Landmarq). In addition, Peter Daltrey (Kaleidoscope) is the voice of Forever of the Stars. In addition to all these vocalists, a number of guest instrumentalists appear on this album, including Clive Nolan (Arena), Ton Scherpenzeel (Kayak), Thijs van Leer (Focus), Ed Warby (Gorefest), and others. Lucassen really gathered together a wonderful group of performers.
The musicianship on this album is superb incorporating elements of symphonic progressive rock, progressive metal, psychedelic, electronica, and occasionally some blues and jazz. The production is amazing, the mix is perfect. Lucassen is clearly a skilled studio technician in addition to his musicianship.
The concept and characters are based on old sci-fi TV shows and B-movies. They still reflect on so many levels of human perception, such as how each character perceives what the Electric Castle might be. The Highlander perceives it as Hell, the Knight as the Island of Avalon where the Holy Grail is, the Roman perceives it as the Underworld, the Egyptian perceives it as the Afterlife, the Hippie thinks he’s in a drug-induced stupor, and the Futureman perceives it as a virtual reality. The conflicts between these different personalities from different eras of civilization adds a whole additional layer. Lucassen may have been inspired by B-movies, but he has the making of a compelling storyline for a full-blown science fiction novel.
This campy rock opera spawned a devout cult following for Ayreon.
Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / guitars, mandolin, bass, Minimoog, Mellotron & keyboards, vocals
with
- Fish / vocals
- Damian Wilson / vocals
- Sharon Den Adel / vocals
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Anneke van Giersbergen / vocals
- Edwin Balogh / vocals
- Jay van Feggelen / vocals
- Peter Daltrey / narrator
- Roland Bakker / Hammonds
- Jack Pisters / sitar
- Robby Valentine / pianos, synth solos on IIa, IIIa (disc 1) and IV (disc 2), mellotron on VIa (disc 2)
- Erno Olah / violins
- Clive Nolan / synth solos
- Rene Merkelbach / synth solos, harpsichord
- Ton Scherpenzeel / synth solos
- Ed Warby / drums
- Taco Kooistra / celli
- Thijs van Leer / flute
Track List:
CD1
01. Welcome To The New Dimension – 3:06
02. Isis And Osiris – 11:11
03. Amazing Flight – 10:15
04. Time Beyond Time – 6:04
05. The Decision Tree (We’re Alive) – 6:23
06. Tunnel Of Light – 4:05
07. Across The Rainbow Bridge – 6:19
CD2
01. The Garden Of Emotions – 9:41
02. Valley Of The Queens – 2:24
03. The Castle Hall – 5:49
04. Tower Of Hope – 4:53
05. Cosmic Fusion – 7:27
06. The Mirror Maze – 6:34
07. Evil Devolution – 6:30
08. The Two Gates – 6:28
09. ‘Forever’ Of The Stars – 2:02
10. Another Time, Another Space – 5:20
Link in comments.
Ayreon – Actual Fantasy (1996) (@256)
17 Jul 2010
(Review from metal-archives.com, progarchives.com)
Ayreon second release is the only one which does not stick to the plot that is gradually developed on the other albums, namely that science fiction story about the alien species called Forevers and their pursuit of rediscovering their lost emotions. “Actual Fantasy” also develops science-fiction and social themes, but they are taken separately. That said, this release can be regarded as the easiest to listen from the Ayreon catalogue, not only because of the independent songs, but also because this is the less progressive work Lucassen has developed in the Ayreon project.
Highlights? “Abbey of Synn” is one of them, not only because of the inspiration from Umberto Eco’s novel “The name of the rose”, the song, despite its length, manages to capture the listener’s attention due to its atmospheric and vocal passages. The next two songs, “Stranger from within” and “Computer Eyes” follow the same manner. The electronic passages are intertwined throughout the album, “Computer eyes” and “Far side of the world” are full of them.
Arjen Lucassen has never been the man for outstanding guitar solos, so this album kind of lacks this component, but it’s compensated by the strong use of electric sounds, acoustic guitars, the overused layer of synths and of course, the metal incorporated.
Added to this, there are the lyrics which treat, as mentioned, various themes, such as: mental fantasies, criticism on the inappropriate and excessive use of computer games and virtual reality, post-death experiences and so on.
Although this is a great feat of musical composition, arrangement and technical precision; it’s actually not one of the best albums of the band. Ayreon was destined to do a lot better.
Line-up:
- Arjen Anthony Lucassen / all instruments
with
- Robert Soeterbeek / vocals
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Okkie Huysden / vocals
- Cleem Determeijer / synth solo (3, 4)
- Rene Merkelenbach / hammond, synth solo (2)
Track List:
01. Actual Fantasy – 1:33
02. Abbey Of Synn – 9:34
03. The Stranger From Within – 7:40
04. Computer Eyes – 7:27
05. Beyond The Last Horizon – 7:35
06. Farside Of The World – 6:20
07. Back On Planet Earth – 7:04
08. Forevermore – 7:16
09. The Dawn Of Man (Bonus) – 7:32
10. The Stranger From Within (Bonus Single) – 3:38
Link in comments.
Kayak – Coming Up For Air (2008) (@256)
09 Sep 2008
(Review from dprp.net, progarchives.com)
After two concept albums Kayak returns to a song based album in the manner of Night Vision.
The opening simply blows you away. The keyboard melodies of Ton Scherpenzeel is overwhelming. Immediately pulling for attention is the fantastic voice of Cindy Oudshoorn – her singing was great on previous Kayak albums, but on this one she even turns it up a notch.
“Man In The Cocoon” is a short song but it doesn’t feel like that at all and when the song is over, it is hard not to be amazed that so many things can be put within a time frame of barely three minutes. The opening of the song for instance takes only eight seconds, any other band would have stretched it. It’s an aggressive song and heavy for a band like Kayak.
“Freezing” opens the section containing three ballads in a row. Starting very mellow with piano, halfway through this song changes into a somewhat heavy power ballad. The energy level increases on “Selfmade Castle”. A heavy rock song containing plenty of melodies. The title track is the only song that surpasses the time limit of six minutes. It has a Bodin-like circus melody, a typical Kayak song.
Cindy Oudshoorn is the true revelation on this album, she steals the show with her classy and passionate sound.
Line-up:
- Ton Scherpenzeel / keyboards, vocals
- Pim Koopman / drums, vocals, keybaords, guitars
- Cindy Oudshoorn / (lead) vocals
- Edward Reekers / (lead) vocals
- Rob Vunderink / (lead) vocals, electric guitar
- Joost Vergoossen / electric & acoustic guitar
- Jan van Olffen / bass
Track List:
01. Alienation – 3:54
02. Man In The Cocoon – 2:53
03. Time Stand Still – 3:21
04. Freezing – 3:50
05. Medea – 3:47
06. Daughter Of The Moon – 3:41
07. Undecided – 4:09
08. Sad State Of Affairs – 4:22
09. About You Without You – 3:16
10. The Mask And The Mirror – 4:45
11. Selfmade Castle – 3:33
12. What I’m About To Say – 4:24
13. Wonderful Day – 3:41
14. Broken White – 4:22
15. Coming Up For Air – 6:12
Links in comments.
Kayak – Kayakoustic (Live 2007) (@192)
08 Sep 2008
(Review from musicbymail.dk, kayakonline.nl)
The Dutch progressive outfit is back with a live album recorded in Hoogezand-Sappemeer (Nov 23rd 2006, Theater ‘t Kielzog) and Ermelo (Jan 31st 2007, Theater De Dialoog). The concerts are unique, inspiring, energetic and they have a great vibe.
The acoustic set is the essence of this album, only four songs are from the “electrical” second set : ‘Royal Bed Bouncer’, ‘When Hearts Grow Cold’, ‘Act of Despair’ and ‘Chance for a Lifetime’.
Line-up:
- Ton Scherpenzeel / keyboards, back vocals
- Pim Koopman / drums, percussions, back vocals
- Rob Vunderink / guitars, lead and back vocals
- Joost Vergoossen / guitars, back vocals
- Edward Reekers / lead and back vocals, keyboards
- Jan Van Olffen / bass
Track List:
01. See See The Sun – Introduction – 0:40
02. What’s In A Name – 5:45
03. Only You And I Know – 3:26
04. Anne – 4:32
05. Threesome – 1:26
06. Hold Me Forever – 4:13
07. You’re So Bizarre – 3:56
08. Land On The Water – 2:38
09. First Signs Of Spring – 3:48
10. Daughter Or Son – 3:59
11. Want You To Be Mine – 3:54
12. Ivory Dance – 2:55
13. The Fate Of Man – 2:09
14. See See The Sun – 4:52
15. Royal Bed Bouncer – 4:22
16. When Hearts Grow Cold – 4:09
17. Act Of Despair – 4:16
18. Chance For A Lifetime – 4:56
Link in comments.
Kayak – Nostradamus (2005) (@256)
07 Sep 2008
(Review from progarchives.com)
Another concept album from Kayak but slightly different from Merlin, their previous album. This is more kind of a musical. This double album has a whole range of vocalists who sing like actors in a play with former singer Edward Reekers in the role of narrator.
Before the lyrics were written for this album, there was a study on the life of Nostradamus to find out what part of the myth was real. That’s why the lyrics hold some alternative views on his life. Although it’s interesting, the lyrics sometimes lose their natural form in order to keep the story complete. A lot of vocal harmonies are used to emphasis some of the main idea’s and are delightful to listen to though the atmophere tends to be quite swinging every now and then. So it’s obvious the vocals are the dominant element which is new for the band especially when compared to early Kayak albums. The vocals are great no matter who does the singing.
In many ways this project goes on where “Merlin” stopped. It’s bigger, longer, more ambitious and there’re more people involved but the songs are more accessible and conventional. This is progressive rock like one could call the music of Alan Parsons Project progressive on which it is reminding quite a lot. There is a fair amount of progressive rock in the traditional vein with wonderful orchestral sections, massive keyboard sounds or church organs. But “Nostradamus” includes also lots of other musical styles like classical, folk, Gregorian, pop or mediaeval music. There’s even some seventies disco on “a man with remarkable talents”, remarkable indeed. It’s hard to believe this album has just been released, it sounds as it came out somewhere in the late seventies.
It’s hard to make a selection of the strongest moments on this album as each track has it’s own unique flavour. “Dance of the death” has a dark sinister atmosphere and the folky keyboards on “Dance of mirror’s” are uplifting. The Parsons/Powell influence is most noticeable on “The tournament” and “The centuries” is an enjoyable bolero.
“The inquisition” is one of the symphonic pop highlights and illustrates Ton Scherpenzeel’s commitment to some Camel albums. “Fresh air, running water, rose pills” is a great progressive rock hymn and “A cruel death” could have ended up on “Merlin”. This album has a huge amount of pathos and this may be too much at some point like on “you won’t find me alive at sunrise” or the title track. This is a trademark of concept albums and especially musicals. Some melodies that return every once in a while, are another trademark — which reminds of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music. It maybe pastoral at some points and there definitely is a lot of emotion involved but only a minor part is cheesy.
Compared with Merlin, it surely is less progressive but the level of quality is high on the whole album. The quality of the song writing is top notch, the melodies are awesome! It makes you forget this album lasts over 100 minutes. The instrumental excerpts are most exciting on the interludes between the real songs. Songs are short and most of them only make sense when playing the whole thing from start to finish.
Line-up:
- Ton Scherpenzeel / music, lyrics, keyboards, backing vocals, bass guitar, accordeon
- Pim Koopman / music, drums, backing vocals, keyboards, guitar, percussion, Tama drums & Zyldian cymbals
- Irene Linders / lyrics, script
- Bert Heerink / lead vocals (The Astrologer)
- Rob Vunderink / lead vocals, guitar (The Opponent)
- Monique v.d. Ster / lead & backing vocals (The Queen)
- Edward Reekers / lead & backing vocals, voice-over (The Monk)
- Sibbe v.d. Ploeg / lead & backing vocals (The Scientist)
- Cindy Oldshoorn / lead & backing vocals (The Astrologers Second Wife)
- Joost Vergoossen / electric & acoustic guitar (Yamaha) and strings
- Marjolein Teepen / vocals on track The Flying Squadron
- Eddy Koopman / percussion
- Rens v.d. Zalm / fiddle
- The Nostradamus Choir / vocals (The People)
- Valentijn Achterberg / voice (The Boy)
Track List:
CD1
01. The Secret Study – 1:50
02. A Strange And Cryptic Tale – 3:06
03. Friend Of The Stars – 4:20
04. Celestial Science – 3:53
05. The Student – 1:25
06. Dance Of Death – 3:27
07. Fresh Air, Running Water, Rose Pills – 4:12
08. The Monk’s Comment 1 – 0:46
09. Seekers Of Truth 1 – 4:16
10. Dance Of Death 2 – 1:42
11. Save My Wife – 5:27
12. The Monk’s Comment 2 – 0:33
13. Pagan’s Paradise – 4:26
14. The Inquisition – 5:34
15. The Wandering Years – 4:43
16. The Monk’s Comment 3 – 0:51
17. If History Was Mine Alone – 3:00
18. Friend Of The Stars 2 – 0:37
CD2
01. A Man With Remarkable Talents – 3:33
02. Settle Down – 4:24
03. The Monk’s Comment 4 – 0:44
04. The Flying Squadron – 4:17
05. Dance Of Mirrors – 3:25
06. A Royal Invitation – 1:17
07. A Cruel Death + The Monk’s Comment 5 – 4:00
08. Tell Me All – 3:30
09. The Tournament – 4:15
10. The Golden Cage – 2:11
11. Seekers Of Truth – 2:03
12. Living In Two Realities – 4:14
13. Act Of Despair – 4:25
14. The Secret Study – 1:43
15. The Centuries – 5:05
16. (You Won’t Find Me) Alive At Sunrise – 3:21
17. Friend Of The Stars – 1:16
18. Epilogue – The Fate Of Man – 2:57
Links in comments.
Kayak – Merlin (1981) (@256)
24 Aug 2008
(Review from amazon)
“Merlin” is a semi-concept album. Its first five tracks are part of Kayak’s masterful musical interpretation of the Arthurian legend. The early medieval atmosphere is captured perfectly, partly due to the use of additional stringed and brass instruments – such as flute and banjo. On the whole the balance tips over decisively in favor of ballad oriented material, giving Edward Reekers and Ton Scherpenzeel every chance to show off their preeminence on vocals and piano.
Still there is many a moment when Kayak prove they are very much a (high calibre) rock outfit, who know how to cut loose. Check out epic opener “Merlin” for instance, the dramatic buildup to its chorus featuring a plenitude of soaring guitars and pompous keyboards, rockers like “The sword in the stone” and “Can’t afford to lose” or the gorgeous guitar solo toward the end of the infinitely delicate ballad “Niniane (Lady of the lake)”. “Seagull” was a single release and, deservedly, a hit in the Netherlands. “Now that we’ve come this far” is another fantastic track, the lead vocals to this heartbreaking ballad are delivered with great pathos (in the best sense of the word). On “Love’s Aglow” Edward Reekers yielded his place behind the mike to Kayak’s helmsman Ton Scherpenzeel, resulting in a rather long-winded, dreamy song extremely reminiscent of Camel circa “Snow Goose”. Odd one out is the cheerful “Boogie heart”, a fair composition not lacking in merit, but not quite able to hold its own in this company of excessive overachievers.
Merlin showcases superior artistry, dazzling skill, awardwinning melodies, intelligent lyrics and unforgettable songs
Line-up:
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Peter Scherpenzeel / bass
- Ton Scherpenzeel / keyboards, backing vocals
- Johan Slager / guitars, backing vocals
- Max Werneer / drums, percussion, vocals
with
- Katherine Lapthorn / backing vocals
- Irene Lindner / backing vocals
Track List:
01. Merlin – 7:23
02. Tintagel – 2:41
03. The Sword In The Stone – 3:30
04. The King’s Enchanter – 2:41
05. Niniane (Lady Of The Lake) – 7:24
06. Seagull – 4:11
07. Boogie Heart – 4:12
08. Now That We’ve Come This Far – 4:30
09. Can’t Afford To Lose – 3:20
10. Love’s Aglow – 6:03
Link in comments.
Kayak – Periscope of Life (1980) (@256)
23 Aug 2008
(Review from progarchives.com)
“Periscope life” is another competent collection of pop based songs, with simplistic structures, and straight forward instrumentation. The diversity of previous albums is maintained, perhaps even enhanced, although the 10CC/City Boy similarities are still very much to the fore.
There’s a bit more emphasis on funkier sounds this time, especially on the Jim Capaldi like “Stop that song”, the prosaic “Beggars can’t be choosers”, and the Billy Joel pop of the title track. The album improves substantially towards the end, the final four tracks being the most notable.
The instrumental “Lost blue of Chartres” has some fine Tony Banks like piano, while “Anne” moves through various atmospheres including medieval, stage show, and a sing-along 60’s sad ballad sound. “One way or another” is reminiscent of “Stackridge”, leading to the Bees Gees/Hollies influenced closing ballad “Sad to say farewell”. The orchestration and simple guitar solo on this track serve to enhance the retro pop atmosphere.
The overall feel is of a band playing so far within themselves, they redefine the meaning of the word introvert.
Line-up:
- Edward Reekers / lead vocals
- Peter Scherpenzeel / bass
- Ton Scherpenzeel / keyboards, backing vocals
- Johan Slager / guitars, backing vocals
- Max Werneer / drums, percussion, backing vocals
with
- Jim Gordon / saxophone
- Jim Price / horns
- Peggy Sandwig / backing vocals
- Katherine Lapthorn / backing vocals
- Irene Linders / backing vocals
Track List:
01. Astral Aliens – 3:40
02. What’s in a Name – 4:10
03. Stopthatsong – 3:16
04. If You Really Need Me Now – 4:16
05. Periscope Life – 3:26
06. Beggars Can’t Be Choosers – 4:40
07. The Sight – 4:01
08. Lost Blue of Chartres – 3:36
09. Anne – 4:20
10. Oneway or Another – 3:21
11. Sad to Say Farewell – 4:26
12. Theme from Spelters (Part II) (Bonus) – 2:20
13. Ivory Dance (Bonus) – 1:56
Link in comments.
Kayak – Phantom of the Night (1979) (@256)
22 Aug 2008
(Review from progarchives.com)
This follow up album to “Starlight Dancer” is very much a case of more of the same. Indeed, when heard back-to-back, the tracks flow seamlessly from one album to the next.
Once again, here we have short pop rock tracks, the longest lasting a mere 5 minutes. That of course does not in itself imply that there is a complete absence of anything progressive but the fact is that the tracks on “Phantom of the Night” are all based on simple pop structures and strong melodies.
Once again we have a mixture of 10cc influenced melodic pop rock, 60s style Beatlesque numbers and Alan Parsons Project like ballads. Vocally, there are similarities with America (of “Horse With No Name” fame). It is the ballads which appear to work best here, “Ruthless Queen” and “Phantom of the Night” both having slightly more to them compositionally than the majority of the faster paced pop rock songs.
A great album with big symphonic boundaries to cross.
Line-up:
- Ton Scherpenzel / keyboards
- Edward Reekers / lead vocals
- Max Werner / drums, percussion, lead vocal on “No man’s Land”
- Katherine Lapthorn / backing vocals
- Peter Scherpenzeel / bass guitar
- Irene Linders / backing vocals
- Johan Slager/ guitar
Track List:
01. Winning Ways – 3:35
02. Keep the Change – 3:35
03. Ruthless Queen – 4:49
04. Crime of Passion – 3:33
05. First Signs of Spring – 3:42
06. Daphne – 5:09
07. The Poet and the One Man Band – 4:13
08. No Man’s Land – 4:04
09. Journey Through Time – 3:22
10. Phantom of the Night – 5:04
11. Ballad for a Lost Friend – 3:53
Link in comments.
Ayreon – Final Experiment (1995) (@256)
05 Jul 2008
(Review from wikipedia, progarchives.com)
In the early 90s, Arjen Lucassen had to visit many record labels to get his music on an album: again and again he was rejected. In the end the new Dutch label Transmission gave him a chance, in 1995 he released his debut album entitled Final Experiment, naming the band Ayreon.
Ayreon’s musical style derives mostly from heavy metal and progressive rock, but combines them with genres like folk, classical and electronica to form what some call a completely new style of music. The majority of Ayreon’s albums are dubbed “rock operas” because the albums contain complex storylines featuring a host of characters, each represented by a unique vocalist.
Ayreon’s music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments in rock music (guitars, bass guitar, drums, synthesizers, electric organs) mixed with instruments more native to folk and classical music (i.e. mandolins, violins, violas, celli, flutes, sitars and didgeridoo).
The story of this concept albums starts in the year 2084 AD when scientists try to avoid total destruction of the Earth. With a new computer programm called Time Telepathy they succeeded in contacting a blind minstrel from the sixth century called Ayreon. He has to warn people for the impending downfall by singing his vision. He even meets Merlin but the famous magician vows that Ayreon’s word will be spread in the twentieth century. And so the moralistic epilogue says “The outcome of the final experiment has now been placed in your hands”.
The album shows a tight band, scouting the borders between hardrock and symphonic rock. Most of the 15 tracks are strong and varied. Especially the use of many different singers (an Ayreon trademark) adds an extra dimension to the music. Arjen Lucassen delivers many biting soli with hints from Satriani (and also with echoes from his hero Ritchie Blackmore) but there is no overkill. Cleem Determeijer has a remarkable part in the music: sumptuous sounding synthesizers (juno/oberheim/moog), a beautiful flute and harpsichord duet (“Ye Courtyard Minstrel Boy”), nice interplay between mellotron and acoustic guitar (“Listen To The Waves”) and piano and mellotron (“Swan Song”) and delicate harmony between different keyboards, flute and biting guitar, like a desperate cry of the future in “Charm Of The Seer”. There is chemistry between the musicians and between the music and lyrics, making “Final Experiment” one of the best Dutch progressive rock debut albums!
This edition also comes with a bonus CD with semi-acoustic versions of many songs from the album. These songs have been re-arranged extensively from the originals, and in many cases the vocalists approach their songs with entirely different techniques. Sometimes female vocalists sing in the place of males. Fans of Marcela Bovio from “Human Equation” album and Lucassen’s side project, “Streams of Passion”, will be pleased to note that she appears on “Waracle”. Irene Jansen, also from “Human Equation”, sings on “Merlin’s Will”. Finally, some progressive fans will recognize Peter Daltrey, the singer who did the spoken-word parts on “Into the Electric Castle”, singing on “Nature’s Dance”.
“Final Experiment” can be a difficult, emotionally-draining listen, with its oppressively brooding atmosphere of tragedy helped along by the synths. The acoustic songs on this bonus CD have a somewhat warmer, brighter atmosphere, and it’s easier to ignore the lyrics if you so choose and just concentrate on the melodies.
Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals
- Cleem Determeijer (Finch) / on all kinds of keys including mellotron
- Ernst van Ee (Helloise) / drums
- Jolanda Verduijn / bass
- Peter Vink (Finch, Q’65) / bass
- Jan Bijlsma / bass
- Barry Hay / alto flute, vocals
with
- Edward Reekers (Kayak) / vocals
- Lenny Wolf (Kingdom Come) / vocals
- Robert Soeterbroek / vocals
- Jan-Chris De Koeijer / vocals
- Ian Parry (Vengeance) / vocals
- Jan van Feggelen / vocals
- Leon Goewie / vocals
- Ruud Houweling / vocals
- Lucie Hillen / vocals
- Mirjam van Doorn / vocals
- Debby Schreuder / vocals
Track List:
CD1
01. Prologue – 3:16
Act I : The Dawning
02. The Awareness – 6:36
03. Eyes Of Time – 5:05
04. The Banishment – 11:08
Act II : King Arthur’s Court
05. Ye Courtyard Minstrel Boy – 2:45
06. Sail Away To Avalon – 4:02
07. Nature’s Dance – 2:27
Act III : Visual Echoes
08. Computer-Reign (Game Over) – 3:24
09. Waracle – 6:44
10. Listen To The Waves – 4:58
11. Magic Ride – 3:35
Act IV : Merlin’s Will and Ayreon’s Fate
12. Merlin’s Will – 3:20
13. The Charm Of The Seer – 4:11
14. Swan Song – 2:44
15. Ayreon’s Fate – 6:55
CD2 (Semi-acoustic Bonus)
01. Dreamtime – 4:19
02. Eyes Of Time – 3:25
03. The Accusation – 3:49
04. Ye Courtyard Minstrel Boy – 2:50
05. Sail Away To Avalon – 3:26
06. Nature’s Dance – 2:03
07. Waracle – 5:16
08. Merlin’s Will – 3:29
09. The Charm Of The Seer – 9:01
Links in comments.
Kayak – Eyewitness (1981) (@256)
04 Apr 2007
For Salty Dog, sorry I forgot it :)
(Review from progressiveworld.net)
Originally recorded as a live album containing most of their “hits”, Eyewitness was in fact conceived in the studio! In fact, the band recorded the entire album with a live feel, but without an audience! All of the tracks were recorded in the famous Wisseloord studios in Holland. Later, 200 members of the band’s fanclub were dragged in so their applause could be recorded. The fake audience has not been included on this CD-transfer so what you get here is the “real” sound of the band, how they sounded live without the polished studio treatment.
“Ruthless Queen” remains one of the many highlights in the band’s remarkable career. There’s the funkiness of “Want You To Be Mine” (although I remember having seen Kayak live when I was young (gasp), and hearing that track more in a Uriah Heep fashion) and the driven force of “Chance For A Lifetime” including some superb Moog interventions! There’s an almost disco-feel with “Who’s Fooling Who” before Scherpenzeel can musically show his love for his wife in the instrumental “Irene”, which sounds very much like Camel what with Johan Slager throwing in some cool Latimer chords!
One of the all-time Kayak live favourites, “Starlight Dancer”, is also included here, although it sort of misses what made the studio version so special. Hard and driving is “No Man’s Land” with a versatile Scherpenzeel banging the ivories whilst Slager joins in with some stunning guitar licks. Two interesting bonus tracks have been added here. “Car Enchanter” is a specially recorded version from the Merlin album, recorded for Keystone products. “Ivory Dance ’94″ is a re-recorded instrumental with a nice minimal build-up.
Line-up:
- Edward Reekers / lead vocals
- Peter Scherpenzeel / bass
- Ton Scherpenzeel / keyboards, backing vocals
- Johan Slager / guitars, backing vocals
- Max Werneer / drums, percussion, backing vocals
Track List:
01. Eyewitness (3:21)
02. Periscope Life (4:09)
03. Ruthless Queen (5:05)
04. Want You To Be Mine (4:48)
05. Lyrics (1:59)
06. Chance for a Lifetime (4:22)
07. Who’s Fooling Who (3:44)
08. Irene (3:12)
09. Only You and I Know (3:12)
10. Winning Ways (3:28)
11. Starlight Dancer (4:58)
12. No Man’s Land (5:32)
13. The Car Enchanter (Sikkens Song) (Bonus) (2:36)
14. Ivory Dance (Bonus) (2:51)
Link in comments.
