THE SUN ALSO RISES

This is one of the times when one can foresee what is about to follow before you actually listen to a CD. Knowing the bios of some of the people in this somewhat newly formed band one is logically expectant of something worth listening to. So who do we have here? Well first of all there is Mark Smit (ex-Miracle) who takes on the leading vocals. Then there are Peter van Heijningen and Jeroen Hogenboom (both ex-Sangamo) on the (lead) guitars and Ron van der Bas (who with a name like that can only be expected to handle a.. bass - and he does!). Both of these two were formerly with Toyz and then there is Gijs Koopman (ex-Cliffhanger) who also performs on bass - and yes it is a Rickenbacker :). Last but not least I have to mention Mark van Nieuwenhuizen from Sangamo who is responsible for some very impressive drumming. I won't mention every other artist collaborating on this album as I think that those already mentioned server to give the general idea. But what I will say about this album is that I am very happy to have it in my collection. Symphonic prog with nice touches of a heavier sound in parts which all add up to a very satisfying listening experience. Picking out highlights for this album was a problem. There was no track that I could accuse of being a filler and all have their own character. Some I liked more and some less but there were none that I disliked. A good, solid album and I look forward to the band's next recording. Strongly recommended.