SPARTACUS

This album could easily be confused as an ELP record. You can't deny that it's got all the trademark elements; booming bass, ferocious drumming, Hammond organ and moog swells; it's ELP in all but name. Maybe I'm being too harsh; this is my first listen. I don't hate it; The ballads are a nice inclusion, like School of Instant Pain, The Sweetest Sound of Liberty, and March to the Eternal City. If I had the option to add half a star, I would. I don't feel I can give this album four stars; it's too derivative. I'm better off for giving it a chance though, and maybe I'll give it another listen someday.