A STORY TWO DAYS WIDE

Third achievement of this great American neoband and after having reviewed and rated the first and second as well the remarkable thing is here that this Story Two Days Wide is actually of exactly the same calibre than its predecessor, Children. This makes Iluvatar a very consistent band and for my taste the level is very high.

Sojourns is a nice warm up for what is to come but they are not yet giving away all their secrets with this song. Average (which is high) for Iluvatar standard. 3,5*.

Savant starts like a Rush ballad (Madrigal ?) but it's not really Rush imitation what Iluvatar is about, just this first minute. The rest of the song is with great ambience, a feature significant for Iluvatar's music and one of the reasons I love them. 4*.

Dreaming with the Lights on is one with an excelling Dennis Mullin, another important feature because guitar solos are of high quality in almost all cases. The rest of the song is excellent as well. 3,75 *.

This goes even more for Holidays and Miracles where the guitar shines even brighter. 4*.

Did Savant have some resemblance with Rush, the 5th track Better Days suddenly reminds a bit of fellow countrymen Enchant but also here it's just slightly. Good track. 3,5*.

With Even Angels Fall we arrive at the only ballad of the album, just nice. 3,25*.

Save the best for last Iluvatar must have thought and also this is the same set up as with the predecessor Children. The epic as closing act is the same idea and also this is a terrific composition. From 3:00 till 6:00 is the ultimate example for my love for this bands music. It's a pity this kind of sheer class just happens in a few of their songs in their total career. On the other hand I'm grateful because a song like this is one of the jewels in my entire collection. 4,75* for this magnum opus.

Up till now this is their latest release although I read in a topic on PA there are rumours they are working on a new album. I hope the rumours are true and there is another gem to come. I'm looking forward to it. Bring it on ! 4 stars easily for this album.