SWIMMING IN THE SAND - THE BEST OF 1989 - 2004

For me ARCANSIEL has always been a promising band that never reached the level of bands like IQ, PENDRAGON or TWELFTH NIGHT, although they had the potential: every of their three albums contained good compositions but also material that couldn't keep my attention. Now ARCANSIEL has delivered a 'best of ' compilation and for the first time, how cynical, this fine Italian band has made a mature CD! An hour long you can enjoy alternating symphonic rock in the vein of IQ with lots of breaks, changing of climates and great solo work (guitar, organ and saxophone with strong echoes from PINK FLOYD). Their 'magnum opus' is the long track "Evelyn" (21 minutes): it starts mellow with emotional vocals, than a catchy rhythm and lots of solos (violin, acoustic - and electric guitar, organ and synthesizer) and finally a compelling and bombastic atmosphere with sensitive electric guitar play. If you like melodic, 24-carat symphonic rock with beautiful guitar and keyboards, this one is yours.