HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN GRILL

This band might well have his pros & cons, but one has to admit that so far, they produced very decent work. No masterpieces (at least this is how I feel) but good albums. Their excellent live "Space Ritual" being their best achievement so far.

No wonder that the opening number "The Psychedelic Warlords" sounds. is psychedelic as well as hard. While I quite like the first aspect, I am more restrictive about the other one (although I am a great fan of the genre, which is pretty much noticeable in some other reviews of mine).

The contrast with "Wind Of Change" is amazing. Spacey, glorious, almost "Morricone" like (you know the great "Spaghetti Western" composer). This song reminds me dramatically some fabulous atmosphere from "The Good, The Ugly and The Bad" or "Once Upon A Time In The West". Superb violin and fantastic and hypnotic theme. A highlight IMO. Do listen to this song.

Compositions are very well crafted and pleasant such as "D-Rider" which is very melodic and rather surprising I must say. And it is not the only surprise. If you listen to the psyche / acoustic "Web Weaver" and its

One of my fave from this album is by no doubt "You'd Better Believe It". A fantastic and wild trip, my friends. If ever you need some upbeat psychedelia, this is the one. Guaranteed. One might call it repetitive but the gorgeous beat keeps on digging, and the best experience can be felt.

The title track is there to remind us some reminiscence with space music. Aerial and full of quietness. Another good track (out of many). But there are some poorer moments as well. Nothing as if the whole album would be that great. It is true that some epic is missing; but this is a general comment to "Hawkwind" work so far.

Slightly better than a three star album, I will upgrade it to four, specially thanks to the closing number which is just superb. "Paradox" is my fave from this very good album. But IMO seven out of ten is more accurate.