THE INCONSOLABLE SECRET

Another superb offering from America's best prog band, (IMO). This has all the classic elements of Glass Hammer music - the brilliant keyboards, from maybe the most underrated keyboardist in prog, Fred Schendel, and the wonderful Squire-like driving bass lines from Steve Babb. The guitar is less on show here, but, nevertheless, an integral part of the mix and very well played. The first disc has two long compositions, 'A Maker Of Crowns', and 'The Knight Of The North'. Both are excellent, with strong melodies, and both continue in the tradition of 'Chronometree' and 'Lex Rex'. The second disc is somewhat different, with eleven shorter pieces on it, some of which sound almost like film sound tracks. All are good however, with the best being 'The Morning She Woke', 'Lirazel', 'The High Place' and 'Through A Glass Darkly'. Surprisingly, my least favourites on this disc are the first and last tracks, the two longest in fact. 'Having Caught A Glimpse' especially, whilst being pleasant throughout its duration, ends rather lamely and repetitively, a tad disappointing for the album's ending. Nevertheless, that is a minor gripe, and the track is far from being bad. All in all, this is in my top three Glass Hammer albums, probably coming between my favourite, 'Shadowlands' and my third fave, 'Chronometree'. A good double album and a worthy acquisition for any prog fan's collection. Guaranteed not to disappoint!