THE SECOND HAND

Anubis return in 2015 with 'the Second Hand' which feels like the classic 'A Tower of Silence' in its concept feel and sound. Like Stephen Wilson's 'Raven' album, this album looks lovingly over the shoulder at the classic era prog with a sympathetic sound to match. The use of real Mellotron and the keyboard sounds orchestrate the album, with highlights being the excellent single 'fools gold' and the epic 'pages of stone' which is powerful with an emotional and powerful climax. The harmony vocals are the best the band has recorded and the guitar solos are full of passion and always suit the song. New bassist Anthony Stewart makes his presence felt with some of the band's strongest rhythm section work to date. Will everybody love it? No. It'll divide people. But so does all good prog. Is it as good as 'A Tower'? Not quite. But with a beautiful artwork and a concept that strikes at the heart, it's a album that I'll come back to again and again. Four and a half strong stars from here. Welcome back Anubis.