BATTLEMENT

Since its vinyl release in 1979 this album was a very sought after item for the Genesis fans, I was finally able to purchase it at the legendary record store Saturn in Cologne, Germany. In the early NIneties the French progrock label Musea was searching for the singer because Musea was planning a CD reissue, it turned out that he was living in France, only a few miles away from the Musea office, incredible!

The 7 melodic and harmonic compositions on Battlement are firmly rooted in the 70s symphonic rock tradition, with strong hints from Genesis, but also Camel and even fellow German proggers Eloy: flowing shifting moods, sensational breaks and a lush keyboard sound (from piano, string-ensemble and Mellotron to Fender Rhodes electric piano, synthesizers and organ), beautiful flute play, sensitive electric guitar, twanging acoustic guitar, a decent rhythm-section and good English vocals (including a charming German accent).

The Musea CD-release (from '92) contains a splendid bonus track entitled "Midsummer Day" (strong acoustic rhythm- guitar and great synthesizer play). But not everybody is happy with the CD remix in comparison with the original LP, like the vocals are more in the front, but the bass sounds less powerful.

Anyway, highly recommended to all symphomaniacs, especially fans of 70-77 Genesis, Camel and Eloy.