THE DREAMS OF MEN

On the first listening, I immediately loved tracks 1 (The Bringer of Dreams), 3 (Ghostdancers) and 8 (Invincible). The Bringer of Dreams opens with the most beautiful intro that I can remember of on any album - a full two minutes of keyboard solo reminiscent of a cathedral organ greeting you into a mysterious place to which you owe the utmost respect.

Track 2, Warriors, provides energy to the early stages of the album and showcases Pallas musical proficiency, but the song lacks on the melodical side and its verse-chorus structure is not very original.

The delicious Ghostdancers track cannot, I sincerely think, let anyone indifferent, prog lover or not. Mixing celtic and primitive elements, it needs no further comment as I think this song makes its case in and of itself on the very first listening, even for someone who usually needs more time before getting into an album or a song.

After Ghostdancers, the album continues with the more complex Too Close to the Sun, which in my opinion has some interesting moments, especially right before the song ends, but lacks a clear purpose or cohesion. No interesting melody here either.

Tracks 5 and 6, to me, are good enough to be listened to, like tracks 2 and 4, but still not enough to leave a lasting impression. They mostly seem like an interlude before what is to come, and the waiting is well worth it.

Mr. Wolfe is a somewhat simple song, and short, but I just happen to like everything about it, from its up tempo feeling to the voices and lyrics, and then to the chorus lines.

Invincible actually reminds me of Forgotten Sons on Marillion's Script for a Jester's Tear, although with different melodies and a more modern sound. The powerful finale, especially the "Break my will, steal my pride, as long as you are by my side - I'm invincible..." got totally into me.

The Dreams of Men closes with the peaceful, operaesque and delicious The Last Angel, slowly building up into something very different than what it started but without the listener even noticing it.

Unlike many progressive works, this album does not require many listenings before one can enjoy its many virtues.

Also worthy of note, nice booklet, cover and disc design...

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