DEFINING THE LEGACY

I liked pretty much the first album of this Dutch band. How is it possible for such a small country to produce so many good to great bands? I don't know, but I am jealous. Coming out from this Belgian desert, I can only be respectfull for all their input of to the rock history (not only prog, remember that "Golden Earing" also comes from The Netherlands).

Since there were only a few reviews with comments for this album, I read the one of "Prog Jester" and I like very much his definition to describe the music displayed in this album : "New Symphonic". This is a great idea to differentiate the neo-prog genre with such offering. Because, definitely "Flamborough Head" is more involved in the symphonic genre IMHHO.

Of course, they are influenced by "Genesis", but not to a clone status. Compositions are rather long and well developped. Musicianship is quite high, vocals adequate and I like very much Andre Cents's guitar style.

The opener and title track ("Defining The Legacy") is really strong, bombastic and full of lyricism. A highlight of this very good album. But all songs are very pleasant. When not really melodic, they will be supported with some great keys like during "House of Cards" in order to ensure that none is going to frustrate the listener.

The long "Garden of Dreams 1920 K" reminds me of the emotional "Grey Lady Down" (I know, I am a bit biased by this band). Same passionate vocals, the guitar talks to my heart and the overall keyboards play is just gorgeous. It is my favourite song of this album. Almost classical vocals/piano parts combined with the finest symphonic music is quiete an achievement. Some harder tones during the last third of the song will add some "Arena" aspects which I am far to dislike. Vocals are the centre part of this beautiful song. Passion, passion, passion...

Some songs are weaker on this album and prevent it to be as good as their debut. The heavy and uninspired "Assassin" is a good example (but a below average song). It could have been avoided since this is an ultra-long album (clocking at almost seventy minutes).

A song as "Impulse" will also please all the "Arena" fans. Hard and mighty as "Arena" can be. It even holds some heavy metal riffs (but not too much). I admit that this song has little to do with the symph genre. Fully neo-prog as labelled on PA. Just listen to these Banks vintage keys...A good number though.

Same "Grey Lady Down" sound for "Bridge to the Promised Land" as far as the sweet vocals are concerned. It holds a bit too much orchestrations to my taste but these will be balanced with a great closing guitar break.

As I have said, this album is not as strong as their debut one. Still an interesting one : three stars.