HEAVEN AND HELL

I'm glad this artist has been added to this archive. This album perfectly shows his progressive side. VANGELIS plays all the vintage keyboards, piano, drums and percussion. The sound is also enriched with the English Chamber Choir and lead vocals by JON ANDERSON and Vana Veroutis. Don't expect too much easy-listening new age on this album. It's really in the style of postmodern symphonic music.

"Heaven and Hell, Part One" sounds like CARL ORFF added synths to his music. The beginning of this track sounds close to avant rock. After a simple unison melody Jazzy electric piano chords and energetic drumming step in. In the middle part "Symphony to the Powers B" the melodies and arrangements become similar to ORFF and Vangelis delivers some great piano playing. Pompose and majestic! The ending part is more peaceful and simple. There is also a synth theme similar to "Chariots of Fire". The track closes with typical VANGELIS elegance.

"So Long Ago, So Clear" is linked to track 1 on the CD but it could be a sepparate track. JON ANDERSON contributed lyrics and vocal for this one. His voice recalls more dreamy moments of YES but the music different.

"Heaven and Hell, Part Two" starts with ambient music and sounds. The Next part "Needles and Bones" has some ethno and percussive music. "12 O'Clock" contains some dissonant music and a beautiful chant. Vana Veroutis sings here with a distinctive voice. "Aries" steps in with majestic and percussive mood again. "A Way" is a perfect peaceful ending.

I don't have a problem with the individual tracks not being sepparated because I like all of the parts. However it would be nice if all titles would be written on the CD sleeve (on mine I have only three). The concept of "Heaven and Hel"l is also not very evident. Both long tracks contain parts that could be either heaven or hell. Nonetheless this is one of his best albums. On par with the best works of MIKE OLDFIELD.

The style of VANGELIS is unique and very diverse. Not all albums sound the same. If pompous symphonic music is not for you than it's better to try his other prog masterpiece "Albedo 0.39". Don't miss one of the greatest masters of sound and one of the best multitalented versatile composers!