THE SERPENT IS RISING

Kind of a silly album, in a good way though. The lyrics on tracks like Witch Wolf and The Grove Of Englantine grace the listener with some really over the top stereotypical progressive lyrics (it's like a spoof of how people see "prog"). Then you get hard rockers like 22 Years and Young man with typical raucous rock lyrics that really are at odds with the fantasy ones. Then you get silly songs like As Bad As This and Krakatoa with memorable quirks, odd album.

Witch wolf kicks off with energetic guitar riffing that is joined by pseudo cowbell cymbal work, organ and lead guitar. Vocals come in with lyrics like "raping the minds of infants? Witch Wolf! Night Rider!" Towards the end the track transitions into a quiet bridge then back to the chorus and done.

The Grove Of Englantine opens with harpsichord. Then boom, guitar and drums come in. The singing really recalls the classic British sound of bands like Yes. This is followed by a nice instrumental with some pleasant changes. This is followed by the singing again that goes till a fade out. With a bit more instrumentals this could have been on an early yes album.

Young Mans a hard rock tune with a neat organ bridge reminiscent of Keith Emerson. The song ends with some different vocals that head into a closing instrumental section of organ and guitar.

As Bad As This Starts off with bluesy country vocals and acoustic guitar then an arpeggio led section acts as an interlude for the second half, Plexiglass Toilet.

Winner Takes All hard rock like the next track.

22 Years

Jonas Psalter is one of the hard rock numbers.

The Serpent Is Rising has a near hissing drone in the background of riff as an opening, then heads into a section reminiscent of the vocal sections of Tarkus.

Krakatoa is some poetry being shouted for a minute with synths whirling around in the background.

Hallelujah Chorus is a tune by Handel. Church music.

Overall this is an acceptable album and a solid end for Styx's progressive rock early years.