SPARTACUS

Spartacus is considered to be the best album of the German threesome Triumvirat. Having materialized in the wake of The Nice and ELP, they are often accused of being a clone of these, but IMO they have an own, recognizable sound. However, at times the title track of this album is very close to Karn Evil 9, especially with the use of cowbell. It almost feels as there should appear Greg Lake's rough voice, but what we hear is much softer singing of Helmut Köllen.

This album has its moments, but unfortunately I find it too safe and clean, too well-behaved, especially when they are singing about the bloody fights of gladiators. There are lots of catchy melodies, Emersonesque moog runs, and at times almost a feeling of a nursery. To me Spartacus is a nice and harmless album, but not challenging enough to be picked out of the shelf too often.