FERMÁTA X

The cross on the front cover is a discreet sign telling you in fact that this is the tenth album by the Slovakian band! And they push the vice as far as giving you ten tracks too! Guitarist Frantisek Griglák is the only original member left and he's now also partly taking charge of keyboards; bass player Fedor Freso has been on the three albums made in 1980 and 1981, Midlan Tedla - here guesting on violin on one track - had also appeared once previously; so if the '99 version is presenting a new drummer (Martin Valihora) and an additional keyboard player (Peter Prelozník), the musical direction is firmly taken in charge by the guitarist (composing, arrangements) and the bass player, who is also the producer. Fermata has well kept alive the good values that made them popular: a sense for melodic development, a solid rhythm section, rich keyboard textures and a good technical playing ability. To keep the sound in tune with the times, programming and samplers are also integrated; Fermata's music is of a much expressive nature with great lyricism and classicism; if the fire from the 70's may have slightly faded a bit, putting up an album like "X" 24 years after their debut album from 1975 is in itself a remarquable achievement and it is a much enjoyable album indeed!

Note! The line up given here by the original poster is WRONG and should tend to have you believe that the band returned to their original line up for their tenth album! This is NOT the case! Tomás Berka (keyboards), Anton Jaro (bass), Peter Szapu (drums), Peter Oláh (vocal) are NOT performing on "X" and I hope the admins at Prog Archives will correct this amalgam of false credits! Too bad from the poster's side not having duly made his/her homework!