DESTINATION

As with the previous album "Ra", for the recording of "Destination" Eloy were to all intents and purposes the duo of Frank Bornemann and Michael Gerlach. Here though, Gerlach vacates his roll as provider of drums for a genuine drummer in the name of Nico Baretta who plays throughout. Once again, a number of musicians are bought in on individual tracks, the most notable being the return of bassist Klaus-Peter Matziol on four of the eight tracks.

"Destination" offers a mix of the symphonic prog which many of us here seek, and the more prosaic AOR rock which increasingly featured on the band's albums around this time.

The opening "Call of the wild" is one of the tracks with prog leanings, an atmospheric flute intro leading to a pounding rhythm supporting a Moody Blues ("The other side of life") like rock number. "Eclipse of mankind" has some nice lead guitar supported by other effects. There is a Pink Floyd feel to the track at times, which is probably the best on the album.

Tracks such as "Fire and ice" fall into the AOR category. The melody here is pleasant and the arrangement pleasing, but the song could have been recorded by any of a wide range of bands. The problem as I see it with Eloy tracks of this type is that Bornemann's vocals do not fit particularly well. For me, he is far better when his singing is but a part of a major composition. "Prisoner in mind" is equally anonymous but lacks even the enjoyable melody of "Fire and ice". A definite low point of the album.

Four of the tracks run to over 7 minutes, "Racing shadows" having some good lead guitar but otherwise falling into the less appealing category. The title track is a plodding affair with some nice synth chorales and vocal harmonies. "Silent revolution" has a bit of Uriah Heep feel with pounded drums and sparkling keyboards. The children's chorus though may not please everyone by any means. "Jeanne de Arc" has a progressive arrangement, the story telling theme being presented quasi-operatically. Overall, it works reasonably well.

A bit of a patchy album then, with some good tracks and some decidedly dodgy ones. Overall, an enjoyable listen, but not a classic Eloy album for sure.

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