LIVE AT NEARFEST

After the ridiculous intro we have a pretty good live album and hopefully reproduction of some pretty impressive symphonic rock. This CD has 5 tracks from their 2003 release Lex Rex Theo from Chronamatree and One from the CS Lewis inspired Peleandra and one cover song (later). None of these had I heard before this CD. The performances as crisp and complex. Looking at the liner notes the group brought an army on stage with them that is called the Glass Hammer choir including Tom and John Galgano from IZZ. These are some well written songs with some great performances especially by Fred Schendel on keyboards and Walter Moore on guitar.

Highlights for me are Chronotheme, Tales of the Great Wars, A Cup of Trembling, Chronos Deliverer (with the choir in full effect) and the finale Heaven. The cover tune was Protrait(He Knew) by Kansas including Rich Williams on guitar which was a nice surprise. (See this why you need to go to these events). They covered it great btw.

This CD is a great sampler into the world of Glass Hammer and those who have never heard them should not hesitate to pick this up. 3.5 stars

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Posted Wednesday, May 14, 2008 | Review this album | Report (Review #171041)

After the overblown short introduction (could be 1 minute shorter), we're invited into the complex world of Glass Hammer playing. The sound is decent, keyboards very audible however vocalist need to try hard to compete with the instruments intensity and succeed only in quiet passages. Glass Ha ... (read more)

Report this review (#3061017) | Posted by sgtpepper | Thursday, June 20, 2024 | Review Permanlink

wow...that's all i can say...incredible live performance, from what i was told, in one take @ NEARFEST 2003...i ENVY the people that were in attendance that day...an amazing show by an amazing band...i have only recently been turned on to Glass Hammer's music, this recording being my first tas ... (read more)

Report this review (#70384) | Posted by neek21 | Friday, February 24, 2006 | Review Permanlink

This is quite honestly one of the best live albums you will ever hear. After the brief, slightly silly introduction, the crazy jam of chronomotheme enters...transforming majestically into beautifully epic ELP-inspired madness...absolute bliss. This live album is almost worth it for this track ... (read more)

Report this review (#60115) | Posted by Publius | Sunday, December 11, 2005 | Review Permanlink

It is difficult to imagine an even better GH live album than this Nearfest concert. Although selected from different records, the music here presented sounds as cohesive as any conceptual prog suite. The performance is convincing, the sound crispy. Great harmonies in the Yes vein with multiple ... (read more)

Report this review (#32968) | Posted by PROGCOM | Sunday, April 3, 2005 | Review Permanlink

If progressive rock has ever tickled your fancy, and bands like Yes, Kansas, ELP, and Camel bring back fond memories, Glass Hammer will kick your nostalgia into full gear with this album. Recorded LIVE in one take at the Trenton War Memorial at NEARFest 2003, "Live at NEARFest" will not di ... (read more)

Report this review (#32967) | Posted by liquidmetal | Wednesday, November 3, 2004 | Review Permanlink

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