THE RUINS OF A GLASS FORTRESS

Comparing with Gerard's albums from mid 80-s, this one is really competent neo-prog work. The band started as very unbalanced bombastic keyboards-led symphonic prog band, in fact - ELP clone, but with absolute accent on keyboards passages. After some albums and some line-up changes they discovered that even bombastic symphonic clones need rhythm section.

But their progression was quite impressive with time. Somewhere in 90-s they added fusion influenced rhythm section, different (and really better) vocals and more modern keyboards sound. From that moment their albums, even if not original, have quite pleasant and acceptable sound, and could attract keyboards-led bombastic symphonic prog fans.

The Ruins Of A Glass Fortress is one between their good works. On the edge of the new Millennium the band balanced their vintage symphonic prog (with slight fusion influence) well. Compositions are quite melodic, even if often faceless. You will hardly find there any innovative move, but at least this music is good clone release for fans of great symphonic prog bands from early 70-s.

My rating is 3+.