THE GATES OF OMEGA

This certainly pales when compared to the follow up "Round Midnight", but there is a lot that I like about this double album.This would be the first MOONGARDEN album to feature the beautiful vocals of Luca Palleschi, and that's probably what brings me the most enjoyment. Cristiano Roversi is the main man here though as he plays bass and keyboards, as well as writing all the lyrics and music to these songs.The music here for the most part is slow to mid paced, so with 100 minutes of it you need some patience.

"Forever Chained" is a pretty good opener with the sampled mellotron, flute and of course vocals.Nice guitar 6 minutes in as well. I should mention the excellent bass too. "5 Years" isn't as good with the prominant piano and strings. I do like the guitar though 5 minutes in. "The Gates Of Omega" is the 27 minute epic. Atmospheric to start out before drums and synths come in. Guitar and reserved vocals after 2 1/2 minutes. I really like the vocals which are fragile yet passionate. More atmosphere 10 minutes in with mellotron and synths when the vocals stop. Drums before 17 1/2 minutes that stop before 19 minutes. It starts to build after 21 1/2 minutes with prominant synths as mellotron continues. "Moonsong" is led by percussion, bass and synths.

Disc two begins with "Home Sweet Home" and it starts out with a beat and synths. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. Mellotron after 3 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop. A fuller sound and the tempo picks up 5 1/2 minutes in. Guitar before 7 minutes followed by synths. It calms right down and vocals return before 9 1/2 minutes. I like the section before 11 1/2 minutes as the guitar and bass become prominant and the vocals become more passionate. "Castles Of Sand" is another song that doesn't do much for me with all the piano and strings early. "Stars And Tears" sounds good 4 minutes in as mellotron, bass and drums lead the way. Guitar comes in a minute later. Vocals are back before 7 minutes as the guitar solo ends. Mellotron before 9 minutes as it settles and vocals stop. Vocals return before 14 1/2 minutes. "Moonsong-The Conclusion" opens with synths before a relaxing beat joins in. Guitar comes in tastefully and plays on and on. Nice.

This ambitious double album from these Italian musicians certainly as some high points, but as with most "doubles" there's a lot of music I would call average.