ASTRONOMICON

Unless Elitist are very careful, they are going to build themselves a reputation of releasing some of the best technical /progressive rock albums around. Following on from Rakoth I have also been listening to the second album by Hungarian band Without Face (following on from 'Deep Inside', which has just been reissued by Dark Symphonies in the States). The band utilise the unusual (within prog circles) tactic of employing two vocalists, and while Julie takes most of the lead roles with her pure clear vocals the band shine at their brightest when she is harmonising with András who generally provides a deeper style.

Melody is very much the order of the day, and with the lyrics in English the album is extremely accessible. Musically this is a hard rock band that can crank it out with the likes of Threshold or Pain Of Salvation while maintaining the complexity and twists of out and out prog. They can be very heavy indeed, or conversely be musically heavy but having the whole thing lightened by Julie's vocals.

In many ways they are a heavier version of Legend, the much-missed pagan rock band, but with more shape. An album I have enjoyed listening to immensely and although it may be too heavy for some prog fans it is one that I heartily recommend to those who enjoy the mix of prog and metal.

Originally appeared in Feedback #69, Aug 02