THE FALL OF CHRONOPOLIS

HEDERSLEBEN are one of my favourite bands in recent times. Meanwhile this is their third output, which matters one album per year to be precise. Hereby they do not repeat themselves, so much for my first initial statement. Yep, based on the eponymous Sci-Fi novel written by Barrington J. Bayley, which is dealing with time travel and some resulting paradox in particular, 'The Fall Of Chronopolis' is provided with other leanings again. Their new charm offensive is drifting towards more song structure, more variety. Extended songs, equipped with krautrock and jamming attitude, are out of fashion this time.

HEDERSLEBEN at the core is consisting of a trio basically, as there are drummer Jason Willer, Kephera Moon on keyboards and guitarist Nicky Garratt, who seems to be the spiritual head, cares for the orientation. Apart from that the band line up has been far away from being a constant during recent times, which also applies to their live performances. Nonetheless, or even due to that - the choice is yours - they are very productive and successful. I'll choose the latter, new collaborators are contributing new impressions, new facets, new ideas. So Ursula Stuart (bass) and Ariana Jade (vocals, violin) are aboard here on this occasion - yeah, this means ladies in the majority actually!

The starter An Empire is symptomatic for my previous remarks. Eh, don't know really why this reminds me of the German band Analogy, Ariana's and Jutta's voice are not really congruent. But the overall mood otherwise ... in any case this is a rather sophisticated composition while offering several turns, a memorable melody, dramatic keyboard riffs, variable acoustic and electric guitars ... it definitely takes some time to come along. According to the concept their music evolves with a more cinematic and theatrical touch, seems to be completely arranged, hence they have nothing left to chance I would say.

Presumably due to the restricted vinyl length Imperator and other songs unfortunately will be faded out way too early. I'm impressed by the beautiful ballad Somewhen Veaa (Dreamstate) - Jason temporarily takes a time out - melancholic keys, violin and acoustic guitar, produced with so much empathy. The following song Ghost Armada contrasts a lot with proper drive and dramaturgy, the drumming is excellent. 'The Fall Of Chronopolis' comes as a pure prog genre effort, covers art rock proportion more than ever. Definitely substantial again. I'm wondering what will come next ...