ZALMOXE

SFINX got their start in 1963 when three High School students formed this band. "Zalmoxe" was released in January of 1979 and only the bass player remains from the original group. A four piece here of guitar/vocals, bass, drums and keyboards, this is a concept album to do with mythology. These guys are from Romania and while I only have a handful of Romanian albums this is clearly the best album I've heard from this former communist nation. I'm so impressed with this record that seems maybe more Symphonic than anything else. And I'm surprised at how original it sounds or I should say I'm surprised this isn't a copy of GENESIS, YES or KC. The only bands I thought of with this album was GENESIS and that was because of the synths and also PFM for the same reason.

The opener "Fortune Tellers" is my favourite. This is where we get a bit of a GENESIS/PFM vibe. They repeat themes and man how gorgeous does this sound before 2 1/2 minutes. The guitar is excellent too after 3 minutes. Synths and vocals standout on "Bear's Fur" where two themes are contrasted. "The Honey" is a mellow tune including the soft vocals, spacey synths. The guitar solo is also relaxed after 2 1/2 minutes. Intricate sounds including percussion and guitar as vocals sing over top. Some depth and nasty keyboards after a minute. Really good. "Epiphany" is another beautiful and light track with vocals early on before they amp it all up some 2 1/2 minutes in. "Dragon Shaped Storm" is more urgent sounding and even the vocals sound more serious. Oh yeah the storm. "Cloud Traveller" has synths all over it as a dramatic beat joins in. Some uplifting stuff later on in this very cool sounding tune. "Kogaion" is my second favourite track. Lots of atmosphere with vocal expressions. Inventive. Some chants too then it turns heavier 2 minutes in with that guitar and more. So good. "Epilogue" is a good closer starting off very laid back with vocals before turning more passionate. Lots of synths minus vocals late to end it.

A classic seventies album right here. Not a masterpiece in my opinion but one that I think most Prog fans would really appreciate to have in their collection.

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