DAWN

While there are a couple of pieces on the subsequent album that I much prefer (the mighty "Poseidon's Creation" being chief among them), I find this to be an all-around more consistent album, full of flavor and beauty. It should please fans of the genre as well as those who enjoy down-to-earth compositions that are given a galactic edge due to spacey synthesizers.

"Awakening" A gorgeous way to begin the album, this prelude of sorts has rain, gentle guitars, and delicate strings.

"Between the Times" Carrying right on from the previous track, this has distant piano but is a bit heavier, with chewy electric guitar and busy drum fills. A feminine and almost electronic voice speaks as the strings reappear. It is a complex track, but very satisfying.

"The Sun Song" With the synthesizers in place, creating a majestic atmosphere, this comes closer to pure symphonic magic.

"The Dance in Doubt and Fear" A steady bass riff is pounded out as the spacey synthesizer returns. Some spoken word occurs over all this.

"Lost!? (Introduction)" This evokes images of ancient tribes and rituals, with the strange vocals and percussion. However, a wicked little synthesizer is the highlight of the piece. More water and lovely strings make for a second highlight.

"Lost?? (The Decision)" The introduction to this is kind of a rip-off of that well known passage from The Phantom of the Opera. This piece tends to be a bit repetitive, with a delicate guitar and synthesizer passage disrupted by drums and bass.

"The Midnight Fight/The Victory of Mental Force" Punctuating bass jumps in as the singer sings rapid and echoing phrases that are (due to the German accent as well as the effects) difficult to understand. Probably my favorite part of the album comes directly after, however, with a great bass riff, hasty drumming, and a great synthesizer excursion. During the vocal segment that follows, strings add some subtle touches. The bass work is at its most creative during the second half; while it's nothing technically challenging or inventive, it does exactly what it's supposed to do.

"Gliding into Light and Knowledge/The Dawn" High frequency noises gives way to lovely yet haunting guitar, bass, and square lead. The second half has an intriguing yet simplistic guitar and bass riff, with various airier sounds layered on top of it. In a way, it reminds me of the middle section of "Awaken" by Yes. This instrumental passage explodes into a synthesizer and lead guitar duet. Beautiful strings, spoken word, and a lone drum finish the piece.