SPARTACUS

This is, in my humble opinion, probably the best keyboard driven (a la ELP) prog album I've ever listened to. Many people decry the band as being a ELP clone - which simply isn't true. They just happen to be another band centered around an incredible keyboardist (in this case the classically trained Jürgen Fritz). In actuality, I feel that this band succeeds where ELP failed - they create a consistent album. This album is the last with the "classic" three man lineup, Helmut Köellen (bass, guitar, vocals) later died of carbon monoxide poisoning while listening to his car stereo with the garage door closed.

Spartacus is a concept album, revolving around the gladiator who led a rebellion against Rome in, well, a long time ago. This is one of very few concept albums that actually works on a whole - the story is apparent at first listen, the lyrics are well-chosen and the vocals don't feel tacked on to the music. Speaking of which, the music has some great bass lines, acoustic riffs, and there's spectacular drumming throughout. But the real star of the album is Fritz, whose piano and synth are omnipresent without being overwhelming; here's a player who can showcase his virtuosity without shoving it down your throat. His keyboards also deliver some of the BEST MELODIES I've heard in ALL of prog. Every song is catchy without being shallow, which to me makes great music. Additionally, there a various types of songs - ballads, synthy interludes, and upbeat keyboard driven, erm, songs - which flow together seamlessly and are fused together by both lyrical and musical themes. Furthermore, when a melody is repeated it doesn't sound like the band is trying to be consistent, it feels like a legitimate reprise.

So don't listen to the rumors! This is a masterpiece, a consistent concept album and an absolute must have for any keyboard lover, especially fans of ELP and Triumvirat's other albums.