NOVALIS

Without a room of doubt the best symphonic rock band from Germany, next come Wallenstein and Grobschnitt. This self title album presents a high musical level, simply equal to "Banished Bridge" and "Sommerabend". The first track is maybe the less impressive one but in a sense it features a beautiful intergalactic-symphonic theme played by keyboards and special rhythmical guitar lines. The second composition starts with a lyrical, semi acoustic theme with strong organ parts and bucolic vocals in German. A heavy organ / guitar duet emerges, punctuated by a beautiful, fragile, celestial female voice in the distance. Before coming back to the central theme, the track features an amazing rock 'n roll section. "Dronsz" is so good. This track reaches the listener into a heavy, moody « intersidereal » trip. A basic bass line and electronic effects in the background announce a cold but tremendous atmosphere. The composition progressively grows into a dark, creepy affair with really doom keyboards parts. " Impressionen » is a kind of neo-classical piece. The tune starts with a marvellous introspective organ sentence. Step by step the sound turns to something majestic and mysterious. The guitar solos are purely magic. "Impressionen » is a poetic, bucolic and reflective composition. It alternates semi acoustic elements, dreamy synth sequences and a sumptuous emotional, technical guitar solo. Real emotions, poetry and a complexity in writing constitute the major ingredients of this album.