DEMONS AND WIZARDS

Even considering the final extended track, there is very little progressive about this album. For the most part, it consists of straightforward rock and roll, with by and large outrageously simple chord progressions, uninteresting melodies, and precious few instrumental moments to speak of aside from a usually well-performed guitar solo. I have come to terms with the fact that I really do not like the lead singer much at all; David Byron's high-pitched squealing is very much present on this album, and it just sounds terrible no matter how many times I try to appreciate it, and much of the falsetto vocals sound amateurish and unpleasant. There are a few very good moments to the album, but not many, and nothing terribly magical.

"The Wizard" A combination of straightforward acoustic rock with strange vocal effects on the tail ends of the stanzas begins the album.

"Traveller in Time" Like quite a bit of the music on this album, this song sounds like Three Dog Night if they had become a hard rock outfit. It ventures between falsetto and belted vocals. At times, the wah effect on the guitar sounds really out of place.

"Easy Livin'" The organ and overdriven electric guitar build a heavy wall of sound over the steady bass and competent drumming. For once, the high-pitched vocals are not annoying, and actually serve the music well.

"Poet's Justice" For the most part, this song is very strong, with pummeled drums and crunchy guitar. The vocal harmonies are some of the strongest on the album. Some heavily panned dual lead guitar works over the sturdy beat, interspersed by some of the best organ work on the album.

"Circle of Hands" More pleasantly gritty organ follows on this track. The vocals are generally restrained and pleasant, and the guitar does not disappoint. The bass guitar stands out a bit, with little fills thrown in here and there. The final segment of the song, while repetitive, is decent enough and for some reason reminds me of ELO a little bit.

"Rainbow Demon" Here is one with (again) more satisfying organ, but rather than being another a song loaded with driving drums and raging electric guitar, this has a sinisterly somber feel. The guitar solo growls along, Mick Box heavy-handed on his whammy bar.

"All My Life" The music picks back up with a fast and original guitar riff, but the music becomes typical classic rock fare. The screeching and imitation tremolo at the end is insanely ridiculous and destroys whatever credibility this song may have had with me.

"Paradise / The Spell" This track begins with a pleasant acoustic guitar and equally pleasant vocals and backing instrumentation, but is a fairly repetitive song. At the same time it fades out, the second, jauntier section fades in, which sounds absolutely horrific. It has some bad falsetto singing and really weak lyrics ("I will cast the spell; be sure I cast it well"). The guitar over the choir and the subsequent piano-led section that follows are two of those very good moments I mentioned earlier, though.