BLITZKRIEG

Quite a frenzied album, Blitzkrieg largely delivers energy at the expense of an interesting direction. In terms of instrumentation, the album relies heavily on various keyboards, lengthy guitar solos, and occasional intergalactic synthesizer tones, creating a blend of symphonic and space rock. Occasional individual parts may stand out, but all in all, I find Wallensteins take on this fusion greatly lacking in ideas. It is difficult to follow at best and downright irritating at worst.

"Lunatic" Expect a lot going on here. Lead guitar, harpsichord, and a semi-classical ELP-like series of energetic chord structures get filtered through some spacey flange effect. The one coherent major theme is repeated to an annoying degree.

"The Theme" Gentle piano ushers in an okay rock sound with a decent guitar solo. Soft Mellotron and piano serves as a basis for aged-sounding vocals. In this respect, it reminds me somewhat of early King Crimson. The jaunty, clichéd chord progression returns for a lengthy guitar jam in the vein of Eric Clapton.

"Manhatten Project" Pounding percussion and gritty lead guitar create an incoherent introduction. As the piece slows down, ethereal piano and further guitar assume control. Midway through, it gains tempo and a sputtering excuse for a guitar solo.

"Audiences" The final track is the shortest one, and it's essentially soft 1970s classic rock (think Elton John or Billy Joel). It starts to get interesting just before the halfway point, as the tempo rises and the music builds, but sadly the band does absolutely nothing with the tension. It fizzles out into a pleasant piano solo.