3

My review is based on the single compact disk version, which omits the TULL and GRYPHON-like "House of the King", and shrinks "Carnival Fugue" and "Focus 3", while tacking about 5 unofficial minutes atop "Questions...". A small shift, but indicative of the group's tendency to dabble in the courtly and wallow in the improvisational, and a wish to be remembered that way, at least at record company executive level. In fact, a full 45 minutes are devoted to "Questions.." and "Anonymus 2" combined. The former is the better of the two with many quiet and boisterous passages alternating. Akkerman's slightly bluesy leads and Van Leers organ combine gracefully. Pastoral flute passages also intermingle with raunchy electric guitar in this overlong but impressive piece. "Anonymus" is a jam with an interminable funky bass sequence and paltry few highlights. The dearth of captivating and convincing themes makes this album non essential, even if fans of fusion and wicked lead guitar might enjoy the longer tracks for their own sake. 2.5 stars rounded down.