NOSTRADAMUS BOOK OF PROPHECIES

An excellent album, very intense and symphonic. Solid flute lead work (Kollar Attila is one of the greatest flute players), lots of majestic chorus interventions (singers of Hungarian State Opera) and the strong participation of drums, bass, guitar and -specially- the electronic keyboards, makes "Nostradamus" a must. SOLARIS is one of the few bands where, despite the prominent flute role, the listener doesn't think about JETHRO TULL, because the sound is pretty much symphonic and pompous. This conceptual album about the prophecies of Nostradamus goes on through some dark atmospheres and emotive landscapes, mixtured with powerful and, at the same time, delicated melodies. All tracks are simply highlights, confirming once more the full-quality line and the unique original sound of this superb Hungarian band.

When traveling in Hungary I saw in a record store a CD that seemed to be based on Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles (a book dear to me in my youth), by a Hungarian band (named after Stanislaw Lem's classic novel!), totally unknown to me. I did not risk buying it, hoping I come across it again. Later I found only the other CD (from 1999) which I bought. It was risky but succesfull purchase. First of all the level of their musical skill and a very balanced production were beyond my expectations. In deed it stood comparison with classic symphonic prog albums, and with the best of Neo Prog in terms of sound excellence. And there wasn't even a word sung in Hungarian (how would that sound?!). Instead there's some male choir singing in Latin in some tracks, but basically it's an instrumental rock album. _________ I feel I SHOULD like it more - play it more often, that is - since I have praised it almost like a masterpiece. Powerful, dramatic, also sensitive, and played fantastically. And there's even a flutist (which has no debt to Jethro Tull or Focus or any at all). But there is one clear but to me. It's a bit too heavy listening experience. Couple of tracks are not far from prog metal (a genre I dislike). For example in 'War Games' that male choir keeps repeating the title and the result gets pretentiously pompous. The long opening track is strong and majestic in a great way and I would wish the remaining album to calm down. It does that beautifully in the end (if you don't count the radio edit of the opener) but too much in between are full of heavy tension. All in all, friends of dramatic symphonic rock will most certainly enjoy this interpretation of the prophesies of Nostradamus.

This is the last studio album of this great band, and for me, their best album, martian chronicles and solaris 1990 are both excellent albums, i own all of them , but in my humble opinnion i found nostradamus like the best album, because the music has its particular sound, the only power and intelligent sound of the Kollar Atilla flute, and all the mix of the instruments ,the synths , flutes, bass, percussion, all together makes the perfect album, it has the symphonic sound, but different like the classic symphonic bands ( the classic bands dont use some of the instruments that solaris choose to make this masterpiece), anyway, the opening track is the complete book of prophecies, 20 minutes of extraordinary travel in time and in mind, this track could be one album , because is reallybeautiful, but the only tracks makes this album a masterpiece, not serious the same thing without the other tracks, one track makes the next song, and thats why i found this album very interesting, please hear to it, i can guarantee that you´´ll be happy after listened to it.

After their acclaimed gig on the Progfest 1995, Solaris was very motivated to keep on making music, even to make a new album. Well, eventually they came up with that new CD in 1999 and I'm very delighted about it! The source of inspiration was the famous and controversial work from visionair Nostradamus. I have read a lot about Nostradamus and his works, it sounds very interesting but to me there is too much room for interpretation and many people use it as a kind of Bible!

But back to the music from Solaris, the CD starts with the long composition "Book of prophecies" (3 parts, 20 minutes), first a sound collage, then a wonderful build-up featuring a sampled choir, percussion, a modern keyboard sound, howling electric guitar and spectacular synthesizer runs. Of course the music from Solaris delivers those distinctive, Jethro Tull-like flute play, very tasteful blended with keyboards and guitars. Remarkable is the colouring of the climates with exotic sounds like the South-American pan-flute, the native North American and African chants and the Australian didgederoo. The tracks "The duel" (lots of propulsive organ waves), "The lion's empire" (powerful guitar-riffs) and "Wings of the phoenix" featuring saxophone) showcase the typical Solaris sound: strong and dynamic featuring many shifting moods (slow, bombastic, swinging), loaded with great soli on lots of instruments. The other songs sound more adventurous like the captivating "Ship of darkness": fat synthesizer flights, JT-like flute and percussion are the home-base for a blend with musical ideas like a choir, howling electric guitar and a break with bass guitar. The intricate composition "Wargames" contains a lot of tension between a sampled choir, floods of organ, flute and guitar, GREAT! The song "The moment of truth" is a very dreamy song, divided into two parts featuring sensitive electric guitar, saxophone and beautiful piano play. The bonustrack is an 'edit-version' (3,5 minutes) from "The book of prophecies". I own all the previous Solaris CD's and have to say that I'm stunned by the way Solaris has succeeded to sound as a band from 1999, so creative and exciting. This CD is dedicated to the memory of guitarplayer 'Czigi' who died very sadly in 1998. He would have been very proud on the result of this CD. GREAT PROGROCK FROM HUNGARY!!

I've been putting off writing this review for six months now, feeling it would be a challenge that I seldom felt up to. Well, I still don't feel up to it but Nostradamus is so good and Solaris is so underappreciated, no that's not fair, so unknown, that after enjoying Nostradamus again today as I always do, I decided enough already, I've got to tell America (and wherever) about this masterpiece, even if it might not do them any good.

I'll explain. I've written over a hundred music reviews and Nostradamus is the first and only one I've written without the benefit of the CD or album. How did I do that, you wonder? Thank God for downloading! I would buy it if I could, really I would. I did buy their freshman release, The Martian Chronicles, from a Russian vendor, which is also a gem, unfortunately it is but an Opal to the five caret Diamond known as Nostradamus.

Before we get into Nostradamus, a little background on Solaris

Hungarian progressive rock band Solaris got its start in 1980. The group was formed by the now deceased István Cziglán (guitar), Róbert Erdész (keys), Attila Kollár (flute), Attila Seres (bass), and Vilmos Tóth (drums), all school friends. They took their name from the title of book by SF writer Stanislaw Lemand and based their songs on classic science fiction. In 1984 SOLARIS released their first album "The Martian Chronicles", it sold almost 40,000 copies. Solaris did not release another album until 1990 when they released their sophomore effort simply entitled, Solaris - 1990. Sometime thereafter the Solaris disbanded, to the dismay of thousands of Progheads.

The consummate prog-rock album Nostradamus - Book of Prophecies might never have been made except the people at Progfest convinced Solaris to reform and be the headline band at Progfest 1996 in Los Angeles. Their performance at Progfest was so fulfilling that the members decided to formally reunite Solaris and dedicate themselves to the recording of a new studio album. The slightly Camelish music with lots of fantastic flute playing got the band kudos wherever they went.

The band's interest into the paranormal led them to Nostradamus who eventually became the subject of their next studio album. Unfortunately this album had to be recorded without founder member guitarist Cziglan Istvan who succumbed to a terminal disease in December 1998. He is still featured in a portion of the album, though I know not where. This album is dedicated to his memory,

Nostradamus - Book of Prophecies

Now let's get to the actual music, which is why I was reticent to take on this endeavor. I suppose Nostradamus should be considered an instrumental, though there are choirs singing throughout, in Latin however, not in English. I further suppose the music which is classified as Progressive Rock is indeed Progressive Rock, though at times it does sound like a little of many styles including New Age. How does one describe music that changes extremely not only from song to song but within songs? How does one describe songs that vacillate from Hawkwind to Therion, to Jethro Tull, to Enigma and all the time remain beautiful and intriguing? How?

"Book of Prophecies", the three part twenty minute plus extravaganza has basically the same refrain with different deliveries from simple to complex, from prog rock to operatic. Part I is a short piece predominantly new age sounding with native sounding voices then the the choir followed by a flute and a didjeridoo segueing into the thirteen minute eclectic part II. It is mostly symphonic almost operatic sounding with interludes of contemporary and new age using a plethora of uncommon instruments and chants. This music is never obtrusive, instead it's melody enfolds and embraces the listener, leading to a state of bliss. Part II seems to stop several times, each time injecting a new element into the mix, ending mildly chaotic. Part III is strongly progressive. It begins slowly and builds slowly with the flute, which has a large part throughout the album leading the way followed by strong guitar work and keyboards(synths)

In the "The Duel," flute and Hammond duel it out in a rather mild manner, picking up the pace only in the second half in yet another version of the original refrain. The next song "The Lion's Empire" builds up suspense with light flute and guitar playing leading to a straight rock interlude interspersing with a strong Progressive sound. The sixth track, "Wings Of The Phoenix", is like a battle of instruments with the flue and the guitar seeming to take the lead. Strong performances by guitar and synths lead to a great finish.

"Ship Of Darkness" another heavy progressive flute driven number, projecting mysterious images. The eighth song "Wargames" has a similar melody that was used in J.C. Superstar (I think it's actually an old Jewish melody) done progressive style, interspersed with simulated(I hope) machine gun fire and chanting of War Games. It ends with a military marching band playing to war sounds, before fading out.

Finally we get to "The Moment Of Truth" a fairly pleasant easy going song featuring our choir and some nice flute/guitar work in two parts. "Book of Prophecies (Radio Edit)" the last track is a condensed reprise of the three part beginning. Actually a great way to finish.

If you're a prog-head, you don't want to miss this one. Beg, borrow, steal or even(shoosh) downlo*d this. Just get it! This is Flag ship material!

If you're not a prog-head but you enjoy Symphonic, New Wave or even World music, this could be of interest to you, though it's probably too much trouble to try to get. It is hard to get.

This concept album came about after the band reformed to play a one off show at Progfest. It was so successful that they decided to record another album together, and this is the result. To many fans this last studio record of SOLARIS is their best. Unfortunately their original guitarist passed away before this recording, and in the liner notes the band says: "We all feel that old Czigi should be here. Among us." The music itself is mostly flute led with a fair amount of guitar, and the choirs are a nice touch.

The first song "Book Of Prophesies" is really broken down into a seamless three song epic lasting for 20 minutes. This one is my favourite. It opens with some brief dramatics before some gentle flute and light drums take over. Lots of atmosphere ends the first section. It continues into section two a 13 minute long piece. A male choir comes in a minute in and it's quite powerful. Guitar arrives before a great female vocal melody passage. This part is catchy, and the male choir is back. This is fantastic ! We get male and female vocals with some excellent guitar coming and going. The highlight of the third section is the guitar soloing so beautifully as the male choir sings. Nice. "The Duel" is ok but didn't impress me alot. I like the organ and flute. Some good bass lines 2 1/2 minutes in. Guitar and vocals to end it.

"The Lion's Empire" has some heaviness a minute in. Some good bass a minute later followed by a nice lazy guitar melody. Uptempo section 6 minutes in as flute ends it. "Wings Of The Phoenix" is led by the guitar and flute. Some tempo changes as well. "Ship Of Darkness" features some great sounding drums that are relentless. Guitar and flute trade off as some heaviness arrives before 4 minutes. A bass, drum and flute melody is good 5 minutes in. "Wargames" is probably their weakest track on this album as Franmuzak mentions in his review. I felt that there was an eighties feel to it at times. I like the female vocal melodies later on. "The Moment Of Truth" is made up of two songs. Sax opens the proceedings as a nice solid sound follows. The guitar is outstanding. An uplifting passage before 3 minutes. The male choir comes in as the first section ends with some beautiful guitar. The second section is quite pastoral with piano, gentle guitar and strings.

It's difficult not to give this symphonic album anything less than 4 stars. It's a beautiful album.

I finally start writing a few reviews, and then notice that I seem to be the wet blanket thrown on top of glowing reviews.

And so it it with this one.

As with some of the groups I've reviewed recently, it's not a case of disliking the group.

Indeed, Martian Chronicles is THE album that opened my eyes & ears to prog outside of the Western Europeen & North American canon.

But where Chronicles was a revelation, this release seems like repetition. I won't go into a song by song analysis. But as noted in a previous review, WarGames can be grating on nerves by its' simple loop of a melody. I've heard it somewhere else. And it just hits me now, it sounds like part of the Eurythmics It's Alright, Baby's coming Back ! And that is its' only memorable quality (if you like the Eurythmics).

Apart from that, I swear there are at least two songs that remind me of Jethro Tull's Farm on the Freeway, with most of the others coming across as warm-up toss away jams from that album - Crest of a Knave. Not only in structure, but also in sound and production.

I love Crest of a Knave, but at least that record had some variety and entertaining songs. This one seems like a soundtrack best left as background music for a non-existant film.

And the final damning description that I can give it - it sounds like music made to follow a formula. Modern in approach, yes, but it just seems like I've heard groups do it with better results.

So Sorry for the let down, but this is not another jewel in Solaris' crown of music. From the looks of it, or rather the sound of it, Martian Chronicles remains their only masterpiece.

Regarding another interesting prog band from Hungary like Solaris, I can say that They were very close to excellence and sometimes even going beyond their personal limits, but never up to After Crying for instance, these latter hungarian group being much more versatile in comparison to Solaris...don't get me wrong, the musicians which composed the present suite were a quite remarkable ensemble, creative enough (especially during their long instrumental numbers), but probably lacking of that quality leap, that could have been led them to other music territories. I mean, They are not able to revisit the symphonic music of the 20th century for example (from Zappa to Gershwin and Ravel) unlike After Crying nor trying to look for new music solutions...anyway their use of the analogical and vintage instrumentation (synthesizers such as the Proteus emulator) is not bad, even though They forget the piano, the Hammond and mellotron. Nevertheless the interplay between guitar and keyboard is not enough in my opinion and not completely convincing...their music is a typical progressive rock with a few hints of New AGE music, but when they play an easy song such as "The Moment Of Truth", I think of the light moments within the Canterburian scene or also of Camel; instead the extraordinary music passages inside the long suites with a 70's feeling (do you remember "Hybris" by Anglagaard or once again "Fold Es Eg" by After Crying?) are not the main features of "Book of Prophecies". Nevermind, cause the album is quite remarkable after all, and at the end you could evaluate the present work a 4 stars' light symphonic prog work", between the best Hungarian top prog albums...

Not bad and sometimes essential too!!

Solaris - Nostradamus Boos of Prophecies (1999)

Now this is an album that should definitely have gotten more attention in our community. Though I'm not that interested in modern prog music, this really is an album that got my full attention.

Solaris is a symphonic (on this album eclectic) progressive rock band from Hungary. Their 1984 release 'Martian Chronicles' is seen as one of the best progressive rock albums of the eighties. In the nineties the band released two albums, 'Solaris 1990' and in this '99 Nostradamus album.

Prog, innovation - sometimes we just want to be surprised by how new music can sound to our ears. This album has that power; you may like the music or not - you will be caught by it's total new approach to the genre. Solaris adopted many elements from all over the world: Hungarian opera chants, Indian culture music, tribal sounds and of course some beloved elements of symphonic prog; synths, distorted guitars with reverb, flutes (played in a world- music style) and rockin' drums and bass. All are played tasteful and sound fresh. On some moments the bass-lines are the main element of the music, which is rarely seen. The vocals are in Hungarian and are a mix of 'normal' vocals and Hungarian opera chants (often in non-western keys). The music get's emotional, exciting and bombastic (but never in a bad way).

The main attraction is the three-part epic Book Of Prophecies, that runs for 20 minutes. The way this song is constructed is really unique and the long atmospheric instrumental parts are all strong. The use of chants and tribel sounds gives the music an authentic feel. The epic has a main theme, sung by a choir. All instrumental and other vocal section are build around this main theme, but the strange thing is: you can't get enough of this main theme. It's just so good. The other tracks of the album are less unique, but still very good. Perhaps they could be described best as a step toward more conventional prog, but it's still a distinctive sound Solaris adopted on this Nostradamus album.

Conclusion. This is a must-have album for all fans of progressive rock. Fans of symphonic, eclectic and atmospheric/innovative prog are all likely to get caught by this truly original album. My only complaint is that the second halve of the album isn't as strong as the first halve. Having that said I must admit: the Book of Prophecies epic is one of the best modern prog tracks I've ever listened to. Four and halve stars for this one. Recommended to all people on this site.

Another obscure gem by Solaris

Fifteen years after the release of their debut album "Marsbeli Kronikak" (Martian Chronicles), the Hungarian Symphonic band SOLARIS presented to their huge fan-base their latest album "Nostradamus Próféciák Könyve" (Nostradamus, Book of Prophecies) , this time without Istvan Cziglan who died in 1998 after an incurable disease, but the show has to go on and in what way, SOLARIS launches what for many is the top album of their discography, and worth to be reviewed.

Unlike their debut, this album has a few vocals but incredibly complex, because they mix some normal singing with male and female Hungarian Operatic Chants that normally can only be reproduced in non-western keys, a fantastic addition to the already excellent music of the band.

The album is opened by "The Book of Prophesies", a 20 minutes epic divided in three parts, but unlike songs like "Close to the Edge", this division makes perfect sense and can be easily perceived by the listener.

Part I is a mysterious prologue that introduces he listener to the mysterious and even haunting atmosphere of the album, with almost Gregorian chants interrupted by acute female choirs, simply breathtaking.

Part II: is the main section of the song, where the band develops the concept of the track and hits the listener with all they have. From almost religious chants to fluid keyboard passages and strong guitar sections softened by the flute of Attila Kollar, the band demonstrates what they are capable of, blending pristine Symphonic with religious music and a good amount of Romanian Ethnic music that flows gently until the complex finale.

Part III works as the epilogue of the song and as a bridge from the complex and breathtaking Part II to the next song, please, play special attention to the interplay between guitar, keys and flute, it's delightful.

"The Duel#" is the dream of a Progressive Rock listener, because SOLARIS shows all their facets and styles blended with class and coherence, we can find fluid Rock passages, Psychedelic organ solos and Folksy sections where "Kollar" really exploits all his skills, a restless duel between Hammond organ and flute only interrupted by a heavy guitar that keeps the listener at the edge of the seat

After a confusing intro "The Lion's Empire" turns into a Heavy Prog song with Casaba Bogdan's guitar at it's best and Robert Erdesz keyboards adding all his repertoire, again a good combination of strength and mystery with a delicate edge.

"Wings of the Phoenix" is another frenetic song which after a soft introduction keeps going "in crescendo" until the dramatic finale. This guys give no rest to the listener blending Symphonic Prog, Hard Rock and Folk with such dexterity that everything sounds perfectly coherent, as if this sometimes contradictory styles were created to be played together as a whole unity.

At the beginning of "Ship of Darkness", the listener may believe that SOLARIS is going to provide a calmed track that would serve as relief after the powerful previous tracks, but this is only a mirage, because as soon as they take speed, nothing can stop SOLARIS. The first warning sign comes with a killer flute section that suddenly changes into a mystic sound and again to some sort of Heavy Prog, this time with Tamas Pocs (bass) and Laszlo Gomor (percussion) giving a lesson of how a rhythm section should work.

"Wargames" is an attack to the senses but at the same time a pleasure to the ears, the dramatic and mystic chants blended with constant drumming, it's almost like non violent violence and at the end a marching band playing a war hymn.

"The Moment of Truth" Parts I and II, shows a new face of the band, now they embrace some sort of Jazzy Symphonic that relieves us from everything we've been listening before, despite some vibrant interruptions, the song is soft and melancholic with excellent vocals in Hungarian, amazingly beautiful and different to everything SOLARIS has played before.

The album ends with "Book of Prophesies (radio Edit) which is only a 3 minutes version of the first epic for radio play, a good finale.

After listening Martian Chronicles, I believed that no SOLARIS album will reach that superb level, but I was wrong "Nostradamus Próféciák Könyve" (Nostradamus, Book of Prophecies) is at least in the same level (if not slightly better), so again I have no other alternative than to rate this release with 5 solid stars.

It's a wonderful gem - great composition!

This album by Solaris has been with me for quite a very long time and I keep enjoying it very much and finally I realize that I have not put any writing about this. The band Solaris itself is not something that I am familiar with even though I knew the name sometime ago from prog friend right here in Jakarta. Specific to this album I can comment that it's really an excellent symphonic prog music album that any of you who like early prog would likely love this one even though this is not something like Genesis or Yes but it's something different that you never imagine before. Yes there is some elements of space music as well as fusion but it's more than that. I think, the most critical thing about this album is its novelty in creating unique experience to the listeners where the music flows beautifully from start to the point where you are listening to.

Let's look at the epic first three track that are titled 'Book Of Prophecies' (20:35), I can see myself being brought forward by the music from start until now when I reach third minute of the third track. I do not realize that the band has dragged me into the 17th minute of the epic without notice. Why? Because its segments have been composed wonderfully by the band that finally the listeners are not aware that they have been with the music for more than 15 minutes unnoticed! So, what do they specifically do with the music they produce? Well, it's basically comprising of combined efforts by all instruments used here including flute as well as vocals that play as choirs. It's actually an instrumental track as there is no lyrical verse. For me personally I really enjoy the changes in tempo, mood as well as the use of flute as melody in some segments plus the beautiful rhythm section.

In fact when the track moves into the fourth 'The Duel' (7:20), I am not aware of it. This track offers great flute-work as well as stunning guitar solo combined with vintage organ work. It's so nice! It then flows nicely to the fifth 'The Lion's Empire' (6:40) through a nice combination of flute and guitar fills. The mood then changes to something rocking with flute as filler, followed by nice Rickenbaker bass solo - even though quite short.

'Wings Of The Phoenix' (5:08) starts off with bass guitar followed with flute and then keyboard work. Flute and guitar take the lead in bringing the melody of the music. I love 'Ship Of Darkness' (5:46) as it demonstrates great drum works around the music accompanied with rocking flute-work. Oh man ... I used to play this track loudly as I love the drum work.

Overall, this is a very close to perfect album by Solaris. I really enjoy the music from start to end and I think most of you who love prog music would really enjoy this album. It's really excellent!!! Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

On this concept album about the titular soothsayer and his enigmatic prophecies, Solaris mash up symphonic prog with touches of world music, opera, Gregorian chant, and resolutely modern instrumentation and production techniques to produce something rather extraordinary.

Although their debut album came out in a period when prog was an ugly word, by the time 1999 rolled around a revival was well underway, and it would have been all too easy for Solaris to take a more retro-prog route, with lots of analogue synths to really drive home the nostalgia factor. However, they don't take that route: instead they produce an album replete with a mixture of very ancient sounds (the aforementioned chants) and extremely modern ones, with synth-wrangler Róbert Erdész using a slate of digital equipment to add a futuristic sheen to things.

This, of course, is all very apt to the concept - the album itself sounds like it is unstuck in time, drawing heavily on the long-ago past and the imagined future but with a gap where the "present" sits, with the end result being simultaneously truly inventive but still close enough to symphonic prog in ethos that prog fans will find it an enjoyable prospect.