RITUAL

Another "Love or Hate" album from Turkey...I read all the reviews regarding this album. Most of'em are very pleased what they are hear but lots of 1-2 stars on the rating section too...Again, you can't judge people's oppinion. Here is mine :)

The theme of this record is ritual in the dream.This second release from the band is more complex and darker than thier previous album. Throughout the four pieces on this album, the listener is taken through many different themes, such as suicide or utter depression and the feeling of being lost, but the music is well conceived and well played on the parts of all musicians on the album. What's for certain, though, is that this album began a long string of excellent album from this group and for the next years they have to make an album that better than Ritual.

Based on trademark riff structures from multi-tracked guitars, "In my mind" has a genuinely complex Symphonic Prog structure, with continuous organic progression throughout, awash with key, tempo and mood changes in an ever-flowing monster of a piece. It even has a final sting in its tail with a fantastic guitar motif that is gone before it has time to sink in. The composition and complexity of the song is excellent.

"Sorrow by oneself" is a mellow tune with gentle vocals, guitar, synth, drums and moog.The focus is on the lyrics on this one.

"Light" acts as a type of intermission. Peaceful, preparing us for the onslaught.

"Ritual" is my favourite track, opening with scary atmosphere, slowly building tension until a killer riff is finally unleashed. Forever shifting and changing within a hard rock framework, the track proceeds with organ and guitar soloing to segue into deep which continues the mood with touch of guitar choir. It also contains some stunning instrumentals including thrusting power space rock, and it rocks off to an unexpected abrupt end on the catchy guitar melody. Rock doesn't get much better than this!

Possibly the easiest way to describe album's music is just to imagine well balanced mix of Pink Ployd slight psychedelic, Uriah Heep heavy keyboards-led prog and the result mixture as Eloy produced sound. Guitar and Keyboard works are great, vocals -very competent, songs have their melodies, but most important - common atmosphere is real 70-s. Highly recommended.