Rob Reed (Magenta): New 'Kompendium' Project.

"Kompendium are to release an album on September 24, and it’s the culmination of three years work.

The brainchild of Magenta keyboard player Rob Reed, the album is to be titled 'Beneath The Waves'. And, for Reed, it’s been a lengthy labour of love.

“It’s ridiculous, but it has taken three years to get things finished. The project has been massive, the idea being to emulate what people like Mike Oldfield, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush used to do.

“This is classic prog with Celtic influences. It’s a concept album, and hopefully will appeal to those who enjoy War Of The Worlds, Dark Side Of The Moon and Tubular Bells.”

Reed has called on the services of two dozen other musicians to help create this work.

“I went back to some of my favourite albums and made a wish list of people I’d love to have involved,” he says.

Those who’ve contributed include Steve Balsamo – vocals, Steve Hackett – nylon guitar, Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) – drums, Nick Beggs (Steve Hackett Band) – stick bass, Troy Donockley (Nightwish) – Uilleann Pipes, whistles, Nick Barrett – guitar, Neil Taylor (Tears For Fears) – guitar, Jakko Jackzyk (20th Century Skitzoid Band) – guitar, Francis Dunnery – guitar, John Mitchell – guitar, Mel Collins (King Crimson, Camel) – saxophone, BJ Cole (Elton John, David Gilmour) – pedal steel guitar, Chris Fry (Magenta) – guitar and Christina Booth (Magenta) – backing vocals."