FEARS

Clepsydra even made it to the Swiss television at the time of the release of ''More grains of sand'', which was something pretty unusual for a Prog band.In 1996 the classic line-up, which released two incredible albums, will be getting some lifting, after Gabriele "Lele" Hofmann announced his departure.The remaining members would soon replace him with Marco Cerulli, a talented musician, who could also play the sax.The new formation recorded a third album for SPV, ''Fears'', released in 1997.

Cerulli had to adapt his personal style to the music of Clepsydra and while the songwriting remained at high levels, the new guitarist had certainly a most melodic touch than Hofmann, similar to Gary Chandler of JADIS and Steve Rothery of MARILLION, so these incredible guitar ups and downs with the heavy riffing followed by monumental, sharp soloing are to be sorely missed in this release.Of course Clepsydra's sound was always a mix of sentimental and bombastic passages and this hasn't changed a bit in ''Fears'', still Cerulli appears to be more comfortable during the more laid-back or melodic moments of the album.Regarding the compositions these are once more pretty great with emphasis on vocals, dreamy keyboards and shifting guitar moves, occasionally containing bits of Symphonic Rock with all these stretched, atmospheric keyboard themes, but the general mood follows the guidelines of MARILLION, PENDRAGON, IQ and the likes.Production and mix of the album are at the highest level and the song structures are classic examples of energetic Neo Prog, filled with romantic moments, lyrical intensity, keyboard flashing and upbeat, rockin' exhibitions.Trully enjoyable tracks, but I still think a couple of killer pieces are missing from this work.

Clepsydra's overhaul led to a less dark, more joyful effort along the lines of the previous albums.While not as good as its precursors, ''Fears'' would propably make proud every other lesser known band in the world, that would have produced it.Not your starting point in Clepsydra's discography, nonetheless an efficient Neo Prog effort.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.