THE SUN ALSO RISES

Since I extensively started to listen to music, some thrirty six years ago, I have NEVER heard a piece of music that only last for twenty-seven seconds that could be as interesting as "Beyond", the opener of this magnificent album.

A few months ago, I have added this album to the huge thread Erik (Neuteboom) had started on the forum in respect with symphonic jewels. I mentioned to him my admiration for his so small country (The Netherlands) for having generated so many incredible great bands. He tried to consolate me as a Belgian (we don't have the tenth of them) that we produced some wonderful chocolates and the finest beers in the world. So, music to The Netherlands and beers to Belgium. I guess I'll have to live with it !

"Beyond" flows nicely into "The Gate of Eternity" is just a marvel of symphonic music (but so is the whole album). So wonderful, so gentle, so nice, so...Still, at times this number shows a very powerful sound as well. So, it is not only symphony : it rocks as well.

The following number, "Conspiracy", is more in the neo-prog genre. Rather heavy, with lots of keyboards (but there are two keyboards players in the band). A poppy and easier song. Very melodious vocals. Same orientation for the instrumental parts of "Forever Now". Very strong bass line and solid drumming for this rather rocky number. Keys are imposing as well.

The title track is fully symphonic and majestuous. It is a very peaceful song for most of it. The end though is very much "Cinema Show" oriented (to say the least). Another very good track. "Conviction" sounds very Gilmouresque during the intro. It then flirts with some heavier sounds (like "Conspiracy"), but vocals are always very sweet.

I was lucky to have seen this band on stage (Spirit Of 66, of course) in October 2005. They opened the second day of a prog conference with La Maschera Di Cera and Riverside. What a day it was (thanks again Francis)! They were very enthusiast on stage, very friendly off-stage. Truely nice people. Mark Smits always trying to speak some phrases in French to introduce the songs. A nice attention for the audience. So, yes : the band is also good while playing live.

"Mortal Brow" is another nice composition. Aerial vocals performed by Stephanie Lagrande. A highlight of this album. The mood is more spacey here at times but, as usual, the instrumental passages (keys again; we won't get so many guitar breaks on here) sounds very much Genesis like. But I think lots of people love Genesis, right ?

"Moods Inspiring Clouds" is somewhat lighter. An excellent vocal part during the chorus provides me a lot of emotion. One of the catchiest melody on this album. At last we'll get a fantastic guitar solo (one of the very few ones). Emotion is on par with the vocals. One of my favourite songs on this album. Very inspired indeed.

The structure of " A New Day at Last" reminds me the one of "Firth Of Fifth". The middle part is almost as grandiose as its glorious predecessor (one of my three Genesis fave). This number has all the ingredients of the most brilliant symphonic prog. Maybe only one remark : it should have been longer.

"Saevis Tranquillis In Undi" closes this excellent album ina peaceful and very quite mood. It's time to sit back and remind all those good musical moments.

If IQ, Genesis and Pink Floyd are amongst your favourites, you definitely need to give a try to this very good album. It might maybe not be categorized as a masterpiece because it probably lacks in originality but it is a damned good album that I have listened many, many times during the last two years.

I hope that Knight Area will have a long career so that we can enjoy their beautiful music for a very long time. Four stars.