BBC 1974 - LONDRES

Two long songs comprise this CD: Theusz Hamtaahk and Kohntarkosz. First let's talk about Theusz Hamtaahk. This version is very well performed andl recorded. The bass playing in particular is particularly impressive. Theusz Hamtaahk is a work of progressive rock that has many twists and turns, with quiet sections and loud sections, and slow buildups and sudden changes in volume and speed. Throughout, the vocals (sung in the invented language Kobian) add an unworldly sound. Overall, this piece has a weird vibe with almost a "ritualistic" sound as though we are witness to some religious rite (from some strange and exotic religion) although when the band gets rocking the sound approaches metal in speed and intensity. Theusz Hamtaahk is a very effective piece performed and recorded well on this CD, and justifies the price of purchasing this CD.

Concerning Kohntarkosz, although it is very well performed and recorded, I'm not as enamored of this live in the studio version as I am of the original album version, as this live version lacks some of the subtlety and nuances of the album version. For example, in the first half ("Kohntarkosz Part 1" in the original album version, near the end) there's a beautiful female vocal part that sounds oriental. It's wordless, just "ooh, ooh, ooh" sung delicately with piano over a huge, thundering bass line and enormous drum beats. It's a marvelous juxtaposition of the light and delicate with the hard and heavy. Unfortunately, this very favorite part of mine is entirely missing from the version of Kohntarkosz contained on this CD; plus it's just a bit too long (30 minutes) and needs a bit of "editing" (the second half of this version in particular drags too much.)

So in summary, of the two songs here, Theusz Hamtaahk is brilliant and essential; and Kohntarkosz is OK but better rendered in the original album version.