THE RUINS OF A GLASS FORTRESS

In my review of the Gerard's "Pendulum" (1996) album I put this statement to start my write-up:

I don't know whether it happened accidentally or not but for sure the music of Gerard - if I can tell you in a nutshell - is very similar with its counterpart from Japan: Ars Nova. Influence-wise both are similarly influenced by ELP and Triumvirat. While Ars Nova is very focus on Keith Emerson center of ELP music, Gerard is more towards emphasizing the symphonic side of ELP / Triumvirat. Gerard has more sense for melody as opposed to rapid-fire keyboard solo. However, you may hear segments with multi-layered keyboard textures combined with simple solo. Awesome. That's the overall picture about Gerard. But, talking about this album - when you listen to it at first spin, the music will ring you a bell on something you may have heard before: it's like a combination of Pendragon, Marillion, and ELP / Triumvirat. With the voice line by western vocalist Robin G. Suchy, the band can remove the Japanese- English dialect. Now, I think you have a complete picture about the music of Gerard.

In this "The Ruins Of A Glass Fortress" album which was released four years later (2000), the music of Gerard is consistent. I can conclude that they have been very happy with the direction of music they have taken. Having known this two albums, I conclude that I have to have all albums of Gerard. Why? The music of Gerard really fit my taste! As simple as that. But, does it fit your taste? I really do not know. If you love ELP or Rick Wakeman "Six Wives of Henry VIII" I would guarantee you would enjoy this album as well, and presumably other albums of Gerard. This album impresses me even from the start of the album which delivers a very dynamic movement through changing styles and tempo, pondering your pulse to pump your adrenalin flow faster. Well yeah .. the first two tracks "Labyrinth (Muséa Version)" (4:38) and "The Edge Of Darkness" (10:30) do bring good memory on the beauty of Rick Wakeman's "Six Wives of Henry VIII" where all the instruments involved contribute dynamically to the music. Keyboard moves in rapid-fire speed while drumming is also very dynamic, supported with tight basslines that make the compositions sound great to my ears.

It does not mean that only two tracks that really good from this album, because the track with vocal like "Time Paradox" (5:12) still maintain the dynamics of the music. Oh man . you should not miss this band, I tell you straight from my heard! In fact, right now I am listening through my Sennheiser PX-100 headphone system, the work of the bass guitar is really mind-boggling! Superb! Having known these three tracks only, actually it's justifiable to purchase this album. Other tracks are also excellent. The peak is really when we reach the album title track which comprises two tracks in which both of them are excellent.

Do not waste your time, just purchase this album soon! It's really worth it to have this album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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