OMEGA 6 - NEM TUDOM A NEVED [AKA: TűZVIHAR/STORMY FIRE]

'Nem Tudom a Neved' (I Don't Know Your Name) is a wonderful album by Hungarian Hard- Rock/Proggers Omega. Hungary is my folks' home country, so it's cool to hear and actually understand (most of) the lyrics from a non-English band, and most of the music here is superb, even with it's under-production. The vocalist, Janos Kobor, sounds great when he sings Hungarian although he seems to struggle a bit on the English releases. The title cut features a catchy riff with a fast shuffle rhythm, and some sensational (undeniably Wakeman-esque) mini-moog playing from the talented keys-man Laszlo Benko. A simply amazing track to start the album. 'Addig Elj !' (Live Till Then') is more in a pop/rock style with the most engaging playing coming from the keyboardist, a feature of most of the songs here, and that gives the music it's most prog appeal. 'Egyszemelyes Orszag (One Person's Country) is similar to the previous track.

Side two starts with an excellent keyboard riff, and heavy guitars and a catchy bluesy progression - 'A Buvesz' (The Conjurer) is full of searing guitar work from Gyorgy Molnar. 'Az Egben Lebegok' (The Hall of those Fluttering in the Sky - of which the English release of this LP is based) is a sympho-prog track with acoustic guitar and string synth. 'Mozgo Vilag' (Moving World) is a fantastic track, and another prog masterpiece off the album. The arrangement is perfect, with great progressions and masterful symphonic keyboard work. The last track is my favourite off this album, 'Huszadik Szazadi Varoslako' (Townsman of the Twentieth Century) and features more stunning keyboards, tastefully sung vocals, the rhythm section of Ferenc Debreceni (Drums/Perc) and Tamas Mihaly (Bass) almost telepathically lock together and throughout, this composition displays excellent dynamics. What a way to finish the record !! Whilst not particularly complex prog, Omega are a band who should please fans of Uriah Heep, Birthcontrol, Jane etc.