HYBRIS

I must start off by saying that this is, quite possibly, the most perfect album to arise from the 90's, as far as progressive rock is concerned. It must be noted that while there are some King Crimson and various other influences detectable, this is an extremely original album by an extremely original band. The character of this music can best be described as a mixture of Edgar Allen Poe and Andrew Lloyd Weber with the presence of an unknown Nordic power. It is very Gothicly Romantic (as in the musical period) and atmospheric (caused mostly from the beautiful mellotron playing that is as strong an atmospheric effect as humidity, searingly fragile guitar runs and harmonies, and an excellent sense of dynamics) in as dark a vein as any Krimson or VDGG. The sound of this band is so cohesive that you wont notice the shift from dark, moody rock to acoustic medieval folk and band.

The only weakness on this album is the vocals, which on the slightest occasion seem strained and (gasp) out of tune.

This is an essential buy for all Symphonic and Art Rock fans (if you dont already have this and love it, you should be ashamed) and well worth paying more than full price for for all fans of good music (it has been out of print for some time).

Truly a modern masterpiece!