TERMINAL BREATH (+ LIVE MUNICH 1996)

Prog Arch have it on Art Rock; I am not really sure if I should call it Art Rock or Neo-Prog. However, for the sake of the review is not that important because, the music has also some symphonic aftertaste which makes this album very original for a German Band. Personally you may have to give it several spins to get the flavor, in the begining not that complex, but after a while the Neo (MARILLION, PENDRAGON and friends) and a touch of PINK FLOYD (Here and there) start to show up I will bet my reputation that would look perfect on your collection between all the classic synphonic masterpices of the last 20 years, take my word for it. Beautiful and melodic use of guitar and keys, with strong and powerfull interludes between them. A must for any prog fan, but specially for those hungry for MARILLION, PENDRAGON, IQ music. Highly recommended!!!!! with 4 stars....

Don't be fooled by the 1992 release date- this album sounds so 80's that you should flip your collar up while listening. Not that it's bad, mind you; if neo-prog is your bag, then definitely give this a shot. I was personally reminded less of IQ and PENDRAGON than of "Power Windows"-era RUSH (or occasionally of Rabin-era YES), but for most folks that will just be splitting hairs.

One might say VIOLET DISTRICT makes itself right at home in prog, rather than charting any truly interesting new territory. The music flows with thick distorted lead guitar and tinkling synths and is more than capable of sweeping the listener away. The vocals can be somewhat distracting in the midst of the generally effective instrumental atmospherics, but are typically competent and appropriate- especially if you like German heavy rock singers. Think of a less anthemic COLLAGE, and you'll be spot on (okay, they're Polish, but the resemblance is still quite striking to me).

I can't find it in myself to either praise this album highly nor criticize it much (a near-perfect example of a 3 star score). It's not really my kind of prog, nor will it appeal to the jazz or virtuoso fetishists (let alone the harcore classic prog fans), but I can see the MARILLION/ PALLAS segment easily warming to its virtues, and the prog-metal crowd may even be able to enjoy it during a more relaxed mood. There's a slightly synthetic crystal-clear quality, instantly recognizable to anyone who lived through the 80s- somewhere between the more adventurous hard rock and the better pop (U2 and THE POLICE are obvious references). Whether this sound is an immediate turn-off or not will pretty much determine your willingness to appreciate what "Terminal Breath" actually has to offer.

This is the only album by Violet District and in general the music is in neo prog style with nearly no surprise. Those who like Floydian guitar work combined with keyboard synthesizer at background, nice vocal in relatively medium tempo music would love this album.

The opening track, "Lustreless Fright" proves to be a good track with slow to medium tempo music in ambient nuance. Keyboard and guitar play important roles to provide the style of music. The music also combines the elements of space psychedelic which remind me strongly to Pink Floyd. After a short bridge of "Ego" the band continues its journey with fourth track "Hommage to The Irretrievably lost" which maintains the previous segment style. The music seems to flow naturally from one to another with good guitar solo mixed thinly throughout the song. The key to this album is the way guitar and keyboard combine the sounds together and produce floating music style with good guitar work.

"Assurance" explores the virtuosity of Karlheinz Wallner in playing the acoustic guitar work. The vocal enters the music smoothly and the beats are in medium tempo. The interlude showcases guitar solo backed with floating keyboard work. The next track shows faster tempo with much dynamic music but still maintaining the long sustain keyboard sounds. "Necessary Goodbyes" is a good and melodic track featuring the guitar fills and nice vocal work in mellow style.

Overall, this is a good album for those who love neo progressive music with some spacey music. The similarity of this album is close to Pendragon, Pallas, IQ and in fact some elements of Ozric Tentacles but in its simplest form. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

The interesting point of this pre-RPWL band (two out of four members will form the later quartet) is that this remastered double CD, holds a full bonus live one.

And there are two unreleased (and long) songs which are really worth. Capilary Action (strange title) is very close to Pendragon. Great guitar, aerial keys and a bombastic finale. One of the (two) best songs from the band. Maybe not as emotional as Nick Barrett can be but still, this song is excellent and should please lots of fans from the neo-symphonic-prog genre; if I may use this term to describe their music.

The second unreleased song is the longest one available (almost thirteen minutes of which the two last ones are an encore clapping). This time, Principles Of Alternation is more Marillion oriented (especially with the guitar work sounding so much to the Rothery one). But there is an undeniable Pendragon flavour as well.

This song is still less polished than Capilary.. The different parts don't flow too well into each other but the whole is rather enjoyable.

The third last piece is here is dedicated to their best studio song. Down & Away. I'm just a bit disillusioned by this rendition. The studio track sounded better to my ears, but still the guitar moments here are such a marvellous gift from Karmheinz Wallner.

The original album was just average but I have to say that the addition of this live set, is rather enhancing the offering (even the poor Hommage To The Irretrievably Lost has been revisited rather well in this live version).

I have made a detailed review of the studio work in the appropriate entry. Feel free to have a look if you are ever willing to get some hints about it.

Three stars for this remastered and expanded version.

I wasn't expecting much with this album only because I knew that 3 of the 4 guys who started up the band RPWL were a part of this recording. And RPWL has never done much for me with that "Momentary Lapse Of Reason" style of PINK FLOYD music. After one listen to this though and i'm thinking this is pretty good, and well it's just gotten better after that. I'm a fan of good Neo-Prog music and this definetly fits that description with the excellent vocals and guitar. Also that emotional element that I love so much about great Neo bands is here.

"Lustreless Fright" opens with someone changing stations on the radio then the music takes over with acoustic guitar and vocals. A beat follows then electric guitar. A guitar solo after 3 minutes. It picks up before 4 1/2 minutes and the synths roll in. It blends into "Ego (The Hidden One)" where vocals are added quickly in this short one minute piece. "Anguish Of A Scoundral" starts with guitar, synths and a beat. Great sound here.Vocals and a more powerful sound a minute in. Emotion right here as the contrasts continue. Love this song. It blends into "Hommage To The Irretrievably Lost" which builds with drums before settling back when the vocals arrive before 2 minutes. Huge bass lines 3 1/2 minutes in. Cool sound here. It turns fuller after 5 minutes then settles back again with more chunky bass.

"Assurance" is laid back with reserved vocals. It starts to pick up before 2 minutes without vocals.Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes in. "Together We Fall" is a good instrumental that kicks in rather heavily with synths then guitar playing over top. Great tune. "Necessary Goodbyes" is mellow as the vocals join in. It starts to pick up at 1 1/2 minutes. It's heavier a minute later and I like the synths that follow. "Age Theme" sounds really good with that beat and atmosphere. "The Age" is very 80's sounding Neo-Prog.Yes it's fantastic ! It's catchy with vocals.We get funny sample after 2 minutes. "Down And Away" opens with the guitar soaring then it settles with vocals.The tempo picks up around 5 minutes but not for long as the guitar soars again. Great sound before 6 1/2 minutes. Soaring guitar again 8 minutes in then it turns spacey 9 1/2 minutes in to end it.

This will fit in well with my other Neo-Prog favs. Easily 4 stars.